Hearing loss in prosthetically treated adults with cleft palate.

The effect of obturator treatment of cleft palate on middle ear disease and hearing loss has not been established. This study serves as an otologic and audiologic review of a previously reported adult population with cleft palate. A substantial improvement in hearing levels subsequent to obturation was demonstrated; however, it was believed to be based on stabilization of pathologic features of the ear with age. A statistically significant correlation of hearing level with length of use of prosthesis or with type of lesion could not be demonstrated. Results are compared with those reported on the only other adult population with cleft palate. Prosthetic management of cleft palates is not shown to be detrimental, as has been generally thought.