[Myringoplasty: onlay vs. underlay. Review of 460 cases].

A retrospective review was made of 460 myringoplasties performed in our department from 1984 to 1990. In 80%, the perforation closed successfully. There were no differences in site, size, cause, or previous operations. Results were statistically better with the onlay technique than with the underlay technique, particularly in large perforations. Poorer results were obtained in younger patients, a difference that almost reached statistical significance. Hearing improved in 64% of patients with closed perforations and hearing deteriorated in 29% (2.1% complete hearing loss).