Inner ear function following underlay myringoplasty.
BACKGROUND
Inner ear function can be modified by middle ear surgery.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to describe bone threshold conduction changes after myringoplasty.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Determination of preoperative and 6- to 12-month postoperative bone conduction thresholds for patients consecutively treated by primary underlay myringoplasty.


RESULTS
The mean bone conduction threshold improvement was 1 +/- 6 dB (p = 0.006). There were significant differences in bone conduction threshold changes by surgical approach and for patients with tympanosclerosis. There were no 'dead ears' following intervention, and only a 1% risk of impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
Anatomically successful myringoplasty can partially improve bone conduction with minimal risk of impairment.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. redaelli@med.unibs.it
L O Redaelli
LO
de Zinis
M
M
Cottelli
M
M
Koka
D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D001844:Bone Conduction / Q000502:physiology*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009225:Myringoplasty; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery