ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Factors specific to sub-Saharan Africa could have an impact on tympanic membrane perforation characteristics. Obtaining precise information on these characteristics and determinants of hearing loss severity would enable better management. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between characteristics of tympanic membrane perforation and subsequent hearing impairment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of consenting patients presenting with tympanic membrane perforation was conducted. They were examined using otoendoscopy with a digital camera to obtain precise measurements, followed by pure tone audiometry. RESULTS: Eighty-six cases of tympanic membrane perforation were included. Mean tympanic membrane perforation proportion was 34.1 ± 18.4 per cent. Medium-sized tympanic membrane perforations were predominant (47.7 per cent). Median tympanic membrane perforation duration was 20 years. Tympanic membrane perforation size was found to be a predictor of hearing loss severity (odds ratio = 2.5, 95 per cent confidence interval = 1.02-6.13, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Tympanic membrane perforation size was a predictor of hearing loss severity in our setting. Site, duration and aetiology seem to have no impact on hearing loss severity.