Inner ear function following underlay myringoplasty.

INTRODUCTION

Inner ear function can be modified by middle ear surgery.

OBJECTIVES

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

DESIGN

Prospective study.

MATERIALS AND 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.