Understanding the Basics of Hearing Loss in Otitis Media: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis

Progressive ET dysfunction is associated with characteristic audiological changes, evolving from low-frequency CHL due to increased stiffness to flat CHL as MEE, mass loading, and viscous damping become predominant. In experienced hands, otomicroscopy can provide valuable clues to the expected audiometric configuration and HL severity. Conversely, it is not possible to predict the underlying ME pathology from the audiometric findings alone, since similar conductive audiograms may be observed in OME, AOM, and CSOM. Understanding ME pathophysiology helps explain and interpret both otomicroscopic and audiological findings in otitis media.