Reconstructive techniques for tympanosclerosis.

Tympanosclerosis is found in more than 30% of patients with chronic ear disease. Clinically significant tympanosclerosis is defined as that affecting the surgical procedure by requiring removal to effect a hearing improvement. This type is seen in less than half of all patients with tympanosclerosis. The incidence and patterns of involvement are documented for 352 of the author's surgical patients subdivided into two groups: one operated on in the early 1960s and another observed more than 15 years later. The surgical techniques employed for hearing restoration are described, as are the hearing results obtained. The findings would indicate that tympanosclerosis is amenable to surgical correction, with a success rate approximately that of nontympanosclerotic ears. The special techniques needed to avoid complications when the disease invades the oval window are emphasized.