Publication:

A comparative study of hearing outcomes in canal wall up versus canal wall down mastoidectomy in our experience

Background COM causes considerable morbidity with ear discharge, conductive hearing loss and complications. Ossicular reconstruction is a surgical procedure which intends to improve the quality of hearing and life in such patients. Comparison of the outcomes will help to determine the merits or demerits of a particular procedure.

Methods The study was conducted in the Department of ENT, VIMS, Bellary during the period from December 2010 to May 2012. All the patients with CSOM with ossicular erosion suggested by conductive hearing loss more than 40dB were included in the study. A detailed history taking, thorough clinical examination was done for these patients. Before and after the procedure pure tone audiometry was done to assess the hearing outcome. Post operatively PTA was done in 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month follow up. Hearing improvement was analysed according to the type of procedure. The data collected was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results This study compared the outcomes of hearing gain in canal wall up versus canal wall down mastoidectomy surgeries. Hearing gain was better in canal wall up mastoidectomy (18.36 dB) than canal wall down mastoidectomy surgeries.

Conclusions Hearing outcome was better in intact canal wall mastoidectomy than canal wall down mastoidectomy in our study.