Long-Term Hearing Stability at Different Frequencies after Lower Intact Bridge Tympanomastoidectomy and Possible Theoretical Basis.

Objective

We aimed to review the long-term hearing outcomes of intact bridge tympanomastoidectomy (IBM) to discuss hearing preservation and combine the theory of "modified miniature lung," middle ear ventilation, and gas pressure balance theory to explore the possible reasons for long-term stable hearing. Study

Design

We designed a collection of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) who underwent IBM and divided them into 2 groups to compare long-term and short-term hearing level.

Setting

From April 2007 to July 2017, 102 patients received IBM for CSOM treatment in Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University.

Methods

We divided the patients into 2 groups according to whether the follow-up period was longer than 6 months. We used the numerical value of the air-bone gap difference as an index to evaluate the degree of hearing recovery.

Results

We found that 99/102 (97.1%) of the hearings were improved to more than 3 frequencies. There was no significant difference between long-term hearing level and short-term hearing level, which means IBM could get long-term hearing stability.

Conclusion

Intact bridge tympanomastoidectomy could provide significant hearing recovery and long-term hearing stability.