Publication:

Effect of canal widening (type I tympanoplasty) on hearing sensitivity

Background Chronic otitis media (COM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear cleft that is characterised by discharge from the middle ear through a perforated tympanic membrane for at least 6 weeks. The pattern and degree of hearing loss greatly vary in individuals with COM. Conductive hearing loss is the most common pattern. This could be managed conservatively or surgically. Mastoidectomy and/or tympanoplasty are frequently used management procedures for COM. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the type I tympanoplasty through a canal widening procedure on hearing sensitivity.

Methods Two groups participated in the study. Group I included 25 participants who underwent type I tympanoplasty with canal widening procedure and group II included 25 participants who underwent type I tympanoplasty without canal widening procedure. The audiometric results of pre-operative condition and post-operative condition at 1 month and 3 months were documented for further analysis.

Results The mean difference of pre-post (1 month) air conduction threshold was 12.68 dB in group I and 5.5 dB in group II participants. The mean difference of pre-post (3 month) air conduction threshold was 18.86 dB in group I and 8.24 dB in group II participants. There was a significant difference in thresholds that was obtained between the two groups and across conditions.

Conclusions The study provides clear evidence that Type I tympanoplasty with canal widening procedure provides a better improvement in hearing sensitivity for individuals with COM, where surgical procedure is an indication.