Sensorineural hearing loss following tympanoplasty surgery: a prospective cohort study

Fatma H Al Anazy,Wala S Alshiha,Fahad A Alobaid

doi:10.4103/1012-5574.181083

Abstract

Abstract Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) subsequent to middle-ear surgery is an important yet under-reported complication. Our aim is to assess the prevalence of this complication and to identify the risk factors for SNHL after type 1 tympanoplasties. In this prospective cohort study, a total of 312 patients with tubotympanic chronic suppurative otitis media and pure conductive hearing loss were included. The patients were evaluated using case histories, clinical examinations, preoperative and postoperative (3, 6, and 12 months) audiograms, and laboratory investigations. All patients underwent type 1 tympanoplasties, the surgical details were noted, and the prevalence of SNHL as a consequence of the surgical procedure was recorded. Sixteen patients (5.1%) developed SNHL. Fifteen operations were performed by residents, and one was performed by a consultant. We concluded that the most important factor in the development of SNHL after a type 1 tympanoplasty is the surgeon’s experience.

Highlights

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) without cholesteatoma is defined as a persistent ear infection in the presence of a tympanic membrane perforation and continuous or recurrent ear discharge, usually with conductive hearing loss (CHL)
Tympanoplasty is typically a straightforward procedure with a high rate of successful tympanic membrane closure, the rates reported in the literature vary greatly (35–98%) but are generally greater than 80% [1,2]
Out of 1367 patients, 312 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent type 1 tympanoplasties for the first time, and four patients lost to follow-up were excluded from the study

Summary

Introduction

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) without cholesteatoma is defined as a persistent ear infection in the presence of a tympanic membrane perforation and continuous or recurrent ear discharge, usually with conductive hearing loss (CHL). Surgery (tympanoplasty) is generally indicated to repair the perforated eardrum and improve hearing. Tympanoplasty is typically a straightforward procedure with a high rate of successful tympanic membrane closure, the rates reported in the literature vary greatly (35–98%) but are generally greater than 80% [1,2]. Intraoperative complications, including injury to the cochlea with partial or total sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), can occur. The conductive loss can be corrected through surgery, SNHL is permanent and treated only through the use of a hearing aid

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