Changes of cognitive function after surgical treatment in patients with presbycusis and otitis media

CHEN Junyan; GUO Xiang; LIANG Sichao; YI Haijin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-2922.2026.01.004

Abstract：Objective To report cognitive function levels of patients with presbycusis and otitis media after surgical treatment as compared to those with presbycusis only,as well as factors affecting cognitive function improvement.Methods From September 2020 to March 2024,patients with presbycusis and otitis media(n=70)and patients with presbycusis only(n=70)pure underwent pure tone audiometry(PTA)and completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)survey at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital,The differences between the two groups was analyzed using independent sample rank sum test.Tympanoplasty was performed on patients with otitis media.PTA,maximum speech discrimination scores(SDSmax),Tinnitus Disability Inventory(THI)scores,frequency of ear discharge and MoCA scores were completed before and 3 and 6 months after surgery.Independent/Paired sample rank sum test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative data in both groups.Spearman rank correlation test and multiple factor linear regression were used to identify factors influencing cognitive function improvement.Results The total MoCA score is lower in patients with presbycusis and otitis media[23.5(21,25)]than in those with presbycusis only[26(24,27)](P<0.05).In patients with presbycusis and otitis media,the total MoCA scores at 3 months[24(22,26)]and 6 months[25(23,27)]after tympanoplasty surgery were higher than before surgery[23.5(21,25)](P<0.05).An increase in the MoCA score at 3 and 6 months after surgery was associated with improvement in hearing and frequency of ear discharge(P<0.05).Conclusions Patients with presbycusis and otitis media may have more significant cognitive decline.Tympanoplasty may improve cognitive function in these patients by reducing or eliminating conductive hearing loss and ear discharge.