Mean Improvement In Air-bone Gap Research Articles

Analysis of the effect of reconstructing the ossicular chain under otoendoscopy with and without a stapes superstructure

Background Numerous studies have been conducted on the effect of the stapes superstructure after ossicular chain reconstruction, but the findings are not uniform. Objective To compare the hearing outcomes of ossicular chain reconstruction with partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) under otoendoscopy. Materials and methods The records of 111 patients diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis media were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into PORP group (n = 57) and TORP group (n = 54). They were further subdivided into subgroups PORP-a (with a malleus handle) and PORP-b (without a malleus handle), subgroups TORP-a and TORP-b. Pre- and postoperative audiometric results were analyzed. Results The mean postoperative air conduction hearing thresholds improvement, mean air–bone gap improvement, and the success rate of reconstruction were significantly higher in the PORP group than in the TORP group (p < .05). The mean postoperative air conduction hearing thresholds improvement and the success rate of reconstruction were significantly higher in the PORP-a group than in the TORP-a group (p < .05); and similar results were concluded in comparison of the PORP-b group and the TORP-b group. Conclusions and significance The stapes superstructure has an important positive effect on the postoperative outcome of endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction.

Surgical results of 29 ears with congenital middle ear anomalies; Microscopic vs. endoscopic ear surgery

ObjectiveAlthough congenital middle ear anomalies include various types of ossicular anomalies, all of these can be treated by ossiculoplasty or stapes surgery. Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is a minimally invasive surgical method for middle ear disease with an excellent surgical view that has been widely adopted worldwide. To determine the efficacy of TEES for middle ear anomalies, we describe the surgical results and compare the hearing outcomes between patients treated by TEES and microscopic ear surgery (MES). MethodsA total of 39 ears with congenital middle ear anomalies were treated surgically at the University Hospital of Kochi Medical School between January 2011 and December 2021. In total, 29 ears of 23 patients were included in the study. Demographics, type of anomaly, surgical methods, pre- and postoperative hearing thresholds, and surgical complications were investigated by retrospective chart review. ResultsOf the 29 ears, 11 were treated by MES and 18 were treated by TEES. There were no differences in sex, age, preoperative hearing thresholds, or rate of stapes surgery between the two groups. The mean air-bone gap improvement was 20.6 dB in the MES group and 28.8 dB in the TEES group; these values were not significantly different. The median operation time was not significantly different between the MES and TEES groups (125 and 130 min, respectively). The improvements of air conduction in class 1 and 2 (stapes surgery) and class 3 (ossiculoplasty) cases were also not different between the groups. ConclusionsTEES achieved comparable hearing outcomes to MES without postauricular or endaural incisions. Further, class 1 and 2 anomalies demonstrated hearing improvement similar to class 3 without major complications. Since the surgical field limited around the ossicular chain, coupled with the fact that the middle ear anomaly itself does not exhibit inflammation leading to unfavorable bleeding, TEES is a feasible surgical procedure for all types of congenital ossicular anomalies.

Current Trends in Endoscopic Ear Surgery.

Current Trends in Endoscopic Ear Surgery.

Endoscopic closure of tympanic membrane anterior perforation using a strip-type chondroperichondrial graft.

Myringoplasty is a surgical procedure to reconstruct tympanic perforation. However, repair of anterior perforations is still challenging. To analyze the anatomical and hearing outcomes of myringoplasty with a new technique of chondroperichondrial graft via endoscopy, 23 adult patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had anterior perforations of tympanic membranes that were repaired with a composite strip-type cartilage-perichondrium graft through a total endoscopic transcanal approach. The anatomical graft success rate at postoperative 1 month was 86.96% (20/23) and reached 100% at the 6- and 12-month follow-up. Compared to the preoperative air conduction threshold (44.7 ± 13.56 dB) and air-bone gap (ABG) (22.35 ± 6.54 dB), the postoperative air conduction threshold and ABG decreased to 33.52 ± 10.88 dB and 12.52 ± 3.94 dB, respectively (P < .0001). Twenty-two (95.65%) patients had an ABG below 20 dB postoperatively. The mean ABG improvement in our cohort was 9.83 ± 5.00 dB. The functional graft success rate was 95.65% (22/23). The convenience, reliability, time, and labor savings accrued from the approach described here make it a good choice for repair of anterior perforation of tympanic membrane.

Mastoidectomy in surgical procedures to treat retraction pockets: a single-center experience and review of the literature

PurposeRetraction pocket (RP) is a common event affecting the middle ear when a negative pressure within it causes a retraction of a single part of the tympanic membrane (TM). Patients can be asymptomatic or can experience hearing loss, fullness feeling and/or ear discharge. RP can be stable or develop a cholesteatoma; aim of the study was to investigate if mastoidectomy may play a role in the surgical management of patients suffering from RP, both reporting our experience and discussing the existing literature.MethodsFifty-one patients affected by RP were referred for surgery and randomly divided into two groups. Patients of G1 group underwent tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy, patients of G2 group underwent tympanoplasty only. A systematic review of the literature was then carried out by applying the PRISMA guidelines.ResultsThe mean follow-up lasted about 36 months. The G1 and G2 groups reached a postoperative mean air–bone gap (ABG) of 7.1 dB HL and 5.1 dB HL, respectively, with a mean ABG improvement of 13.2 dB HL and 12.4 dB HL. An ABG improvement was observed in the 59.7% of the G1 group and in the 63.2% of the G2 group, respectively (p > 0.5). Only one case of long-term complication was recognized in the G1 group. We combined, integrated and analyzed results of our prospective study with results of the literature review.ConclusionsBased on the combined results of our study and literature review we may conclude that there is no evident benefit in performing mastoidectomy for the treatment of RP. In fact, no differences in ABG improvement or in RP recurrence were reported between the two groups.

Hearing and Disease-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Otosclerosis after Stapedotomy - a Trial of the SPOT-25 Questionnaire.

Background:The study aims to investigate the effect of stapedotomy on audiology measurements and the disease-specific health-related quality of life for patients with otosclerosis using the Danish Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 as a quality of life measuring tool.Methods:In this study, 50 patients who had undergone stapedotomy at our department between September 2017 and December 2020 were included. Data collection was performed by audiometric testing (pure tone and speech audiometry) in the pre- and postoperative settings. Health-related quality of life was assessed pre- and postoperatively in 30 patients using the validated Danish Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25.Results:The mean improvement in air conduction thresholds was 27.7 dB and the mean improvement in air-bone gap was 21.8 dB. Health-related quality of life improved significantly after stapes surgery in all subscores of the Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 (hearing, mental condition, social restriction, and general), except for “tinnitus.” The improvement in the audiometric data correlated significantly with the improvement in “total score” and “hearing function” but not with “tinnitus,” “social restrictions,” and “mental condition.”Conclusion:Stapedotomy leads to significant improvement in hearing and health-related quality of life. The Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 can be used as a valuable supplement to the hearing test by assessing health-related quality of life.

Total ossicular chain reconstruction using a titanium prosthesis: functional results.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a titanium total prosthesis (TORP) in ossicular chain reconstruction. Retrospective analysis of 113 cases of total ossicular chain reconstruction performed by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2018. Follow-up lasted until January 2020. Participants were patients with chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, or ossicular chain disruption. Mean preoperative air-bone gap (± standard deviation) was 32.74dB (± 11.62). Mean postoperative air-bone gap was 21.68 (± 11.29). Mean air-bone gap improvement was 11.06dB (± 14.99) (p < 0.001). 57 cases had a post-operative air-bone gap smaller than or equal to 20dB (50.44%). In four cases, prosthesis dislocation was observed (12.39%). Mean prosthesis length in this group was 5.29mm (± 0.86) versus 4.36mm (± 1.02) in cases without prosthesis dislocation (p = 0.002). Total ossicular reconstruction using a titanium prosthesis yields favorable functional results, also during prolonged follow-up. Prosthesis length was significantly longer in cases with prosthesis dislocation.

Comparative study of outcomes of type 1 tympanoplasty with and without anterior tucking

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Type-1 tympanoplasty is the functional restoration of the normal middle ear by repairing the tympanic membrane (TM). Different techniques are still evolving to devise a way to give optimal graft uptake and hearing improvement with minimal instrumentation. Various studies have been done to assess the role of anterior tucking in type-1 tympanoplasty and to assess its superiority over other methods in repairing subtotal perforations and large perforations involving the anterior quadrant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This study was done to compare the outcomes of endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasty with and without anterior tucking. 60 cases of chronic otitis media (COM) mucosal type were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. Group 1 underwent endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasty with anterior tucking and group 2 underwent endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasty without anterior tucking. The outcomes were evaluated after 6 months and compared in terms of graft uptake and hearing gain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The mean air-bone gap improvement was 13.16±2.65 in group 1 and 12.90±3.78 in group 2, which had statistically insignificant differences indicating similar hearing outcomes in both the groups. 96.7% successful graft uptake was achieved in group 1 and 90% in group 2, showing statistically insignificant differences indicating similar graft uptake rates in both the groups.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Anterior tucking with endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasty could provide good graft support and efficient hearing improvement but cannot be labelled as a mandatory step in repairing subtotal perforations or large perforations involving anterior quadrant as the outcomes are comparable to the endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasty done without anterior tucking. &lt;/p&gt;

The Long-Term Stability of Fat-Graft Myringoplasty in the Closure of Tympanic Membrane Perforations and Hearing Restoration

Background/Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term stability of fat-graft myringoplasty (FGM) for chronic tympanic membrane perforations, analyzing the perforation closure rate and re-gained hearing outcome with respect to the size and location of the perforations. Methods: Between August 2007 and June 2018, a total of 193 patients who underwent FGM due to chronic tympanic membrane perforation at a tertiary referral center were enrolled and analyzed. Results: The mean follow-up was 14.6 months (range 6–39). The complete perforation closure rate after FGM was 89.6%, with no statistical difference among the perforation size groups. The mean postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 11.0 dB and mean ABG improvement was 4.9 dB. Conclusion: Our FGM technique had a favorable tympanic closure rate for small to large perforations, and yielded relatively good hearing improvement in the mid-size perforation cases over long-term follow-up periods. According to the topographic evaluation of FGM, this procedure resulted in a reliable perforation closure rate and audiological results regardless of the perforation site.

The effect of using a PORP to reconstruct the ossicular chain under otoendoscopy with and without a malleus handle

Background There are many reports on the role of the malleus handle in ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR). However, the effect of the presence of the malleus handle is not clear. Aim/objectives To compare the hearing outcomes of using a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) to reconstruct the ossicular chain under otoendoscopy with and without a malleus handle. Methods Records of 57 patients requiring OCR were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the malleus handle-present group (group 1) and the malleus handle-absent group (group 2). The audiometric results were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. A postoperative air-bone gap (ABG)≤20 dB was considered successful. Results The mean improvement in air conduction hearing thresholds was 19.80 dB in group 1 and 16.70 dB in group 2. The mean ABG improvement was 18.09 ± 12.79 dB for group 1 and 17.20 ± 16.44 dB for group 2. The malleus handle-present group achieved higher success (65.63%) than the malleus handle-absent group (52%; p> .05). Conclusions and significance Improvements in hearing outcomes were similar for the two groups. However, the malleus handle-present group showed a better reconstruction success rate. Our results suggest that if there is no lesion in the malleus handle, it is recommended to be retained.

Laser vs drill for footplate fenestration during stapedotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of hearing results.

Stapes surgery is the gold standard surgical treatment nowadays for otosclerosis. Several controversies on the procedure have been reported; surgical techniques for most favorable outcomes are still on discussion. The objective of this study is to present an update of evidence-based medicine concerning the utilization of lasers and drilling for footplate fenestration during stapedotomy surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Publications in English in the last 5years were searched in the PubMed/MEDLINE database and were systematically reviewed. A total of three articles were included according to the inclusion criteria, obtaining a total of 1531 patients managed surgically for otosclerosis, using laser or drill for footplate fenestration. Data were systematically extracted and hearing results were compared in a meta-analysis. For the drill group, a total of 978 patients were retrieved and data were obtained as follows: mean age was 50years old; the female proportion was 62%; mean preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) of 28dB; mean postoperative ABG of 8dB; mean ABG improvement of 20dB; an ABG closure rate to < 10dB of 74%. For the laser group, a total of 553 patients were retrieved, data were obtained as follows: mean age was 47years old; the female proportion was 63%; preoperative ABG of 26dB; postoperative ABG of 8dB; mean ABG improvement of 18dB; an ABG closure rate to < 10dB of 72%. The results from this study reveal that in regard to postoperative hearing results, surgical outcomes are comparable, and there is no statistically significant difference between the utilization of drills and lasers as a surgical instrument for the fenestration of the stapes footplate during stapedotomy surgery.

What is the Role of Hyaluronic Acid Ester in Myringoplasty? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To reveal odds of tympanic membrane closure and postoperative hearing outcomes for myringoplasty utilizing hyaluronic acid ester via systematic review and meta-analysis. 1) Search of English articles in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases published between January 1, 1998 and March 31, 2018. Inclusion criteria: 1) English language; 2) clinical studies; 3) reported posttreatment perforation status, hearing outcomes, or complications. hyaluronic acid used for middle ear packing or topical application of hyaluronic acid solution. Number of patients, surgical technique, mean age, overall rate of tympanic membrane closure, success rate based on size of perforation, mean air-bone gap improvement, and postoperative speech scores and complications. Ten studies encompassing 531 patients met criteria. Reported success rates for closure of chronic perforation ranged from 70.0 to 92.7% (mean, 85.21%). Smaller perforation predicted success in complete closure. Mean air-bone gap closure was 10.6 dB (4-24 dB). There were five complications reported. Meta-analysis was performed on five studies. No difference was noted in the success rates between hyaluronic acid ester myringoplasty and conventional tympanoplasty using fascia or perichondrium, with an overall closure rates of 89.8 and 89.4%, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-1.82, p = 0.896). A higher closure rate was seen in hyaluronic acid ester myringoplasty (87.9%) when compared with fat graft myringoplasty (70.8%), (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.42-6.35, p = 0.004). Hyaluronic acid (HA) ester myringoplasty appears to be safe and effective at attaining complete closure of tympanic membrane perforation, although there exists significant selection bias and inconsistent reporting among existing papers.

Outcomes of Adopting Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in an Academic Teaching Hospital.

To compare the outcomes of endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty during the initial period of a surgeon adopting the new endoscopic technique and teaching the surgical approach to residents assisting in surgery. Retrospective medical chart review of 60 consecutive operations for repair of isolated tympanic membrane perforations from 2011 to 2016 performed by a single surgeon assisted by residents in an academic teaching hospital. The outcomes of 20 ears repaired microscopically before the senior author adopted endoscopic ear surgery (Group A) were compared with the outcomes of the first 20 ears that were attempted with endoscopic surgery (Group B) and the next 20 ears performed endoscopically (Group C). Sixty ear operations were performed on 52 patients as 8 patients had bilateral ear surgery. The tympanic membrane closure rate was 80% for Group A, 80% for Group B, and 95% for Group C. Mean air-bone gap improvement was 12.8 dB in Group A, 8.3 dB in Group B, and 12.1 dB in Group C. Mean duration of surgery was 99.2 minutes in Group A, 91.3 minutes in Group B, and 90.5 minutes in Group C. In Group B, 20% of the ears (4/20) were converted to a microscopic approach; in Group C, none required conversion. Maintenance of good outcomes and similar results can be maintained during a surgeon's transition to adopting endoscopic tympanoplasty and teaching it to residents.

Tympanic Membrane Perforation Repair Using Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosal Grafting.

To evaluate the use of porcine small intestinal submucosal grafts for tympanic membrane repair. Adult and pediatric patients with tympanic membrane perforations with and without chronic otitits media, and perforations after removal of cholesteatoma. Endoscopic or microscopic tympanic membrane repair using porcine small intestinal submucosal grafts (Biodesign). Perforation closure, bone and air pure-tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), and word recognition scores (WRS) were recorded as outcome measures. Thirty-seven patients were included with a mean age of 25.4 years (range, 6-75), 57% men. Twenty-six cases (70%) were performed endoscopically and 34 (92%) had concomitant cartilage grafting. Three patients (8%) had postoperative pinpoint (<1% surface area) perforation, and two patients (5%) had postoperative perforation, with an overall success rate of 86.5%. The mean improvement in air-bone gap was 7.6 dB and (p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in closure rates when comparing primary versus revision cases, endoscopic versus microscopic cases, size of perforation, cholesteatoma, concomitant mastoidectomy, age, tobacco exposure, or comorbid diabetes mellitus. Patients with concomitant cartilage graft were more likely to be successful when compared with those without cartilage graft (p = 0.04). Porcine small intestinal submucosal grafts are effective in the repair of the tympanic membrane. These grafts are an excellent choice in total endoscopic cases as it avoids incisions necessary for allograft harvest.

Autologous total ossicular replacement prosthesis.

To develop an autologous total ossicular replacement prosthesis with sustainable hearing results. The ears of 40 patients, who had chronic otitis media with absent suprastructure of the stapes and long process of the incus, were repaired using the autologous total ossicular replacement technique. Post-operative results were evaluated after 6 and 12 months on the basis of average pure tone air conduction and average air-bone gap measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3kHz. Successful rehabilitation of pure tone average to 30dB or less was achieved in 75 per cent of patients, and air-bone gap to 20dB or less was attained in 82.5 per cent of patients. Overall mean improvement in air-bone gap was 23.9±8.5dB (p<0.001). Mean improvements in air-bone gap were significantly greater (p<0.05) in the tympanoplasty only group (27.3±6.6dB) and the intact canal wall tympanoplasty group (25.9±6.3dB) than in the canal wall down tympanoplasty group (16.3±8.9dB). This paper describes an autologous total ossicular replacement prosthesis that is biocompatible, stable, magnetic resonance imaging compatible and, above all, results in sustainable hearing improvement.

Long-Term, High-Frequency Tympanometry and Audiometry Results after Cartilage and Fascia Tympanoplasty

Long-Term, High-Frequency Tympanometry and Audiometry Results after Cartilage and Fascia Tympanoplasty

Transmastoid Approach to Spontaneous Temporal Bone Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Hearing Improvement and Success of Repair

To determine whether the transmastoid approach to repair of spontaneous temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is safe and effective and if improvement in conductive hearing loss is an achievable goal with this approach. Case series with chart review. Tertiary academic medical center. Fifteen consecutive patients (16 ears) presented with spontaneous temporal bone CSF leaks over a 6-year period. Clinical data, imaging, audiometry, operative reports, and postoperative course were reviewed. Median age was 59.5 years. Mean body mass index was 40.7 kg/m2. All presented with chronic otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement and conductive/mixed hearing loss. The mean preoperative air-bone gap was 19 dB. A transmastoid approach alone was used in 15 cases; 1 underwent middle fossa craniotomy. Most defects were located in the tegmen mastoideum and tympani. All repairs were multilayered, typically using autologous mastoid bone, temporalis fascia, and tissue sealant. Primary repair was successful in 15 cases; 1 patient with persistent postoperative otorrhea subsequently underwent middle fossa craniotomy, but no frank leakage was found. No serious complications were encountered. Following transmastoid repair, postoperative audiograms were available for 14 patients. The mean improvement in air-bone gap was 12 dB. Closure of the air-bone gap to ≤12 dB occurred in 100% of cases. The transmastoid approach to repair of spontaneous temporal bone CSF leak is highly successful. Furthermore, patients in this series had excellent hearing results with closure of their air-bone gap to ≤12 dB, which has not been previously described.

Cortical bone total ossicular replacement prosthesis

Objectives: Evaluate an autologous cortical bone total ossicular replacement prosthesis (B TORP) made of cortical bone for cost effective and sustainable hearing results. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was undertaken in the patients who underwent tympanoplasty with new B-TORP from January 2011 to December 2011. All patients had an absent superstructure of the stapes and long process of the incus due to chronic otitis media. Totally 40 patients were evaluated. Hearing results were evaluated using four-frequency average pure tone air conduction and air-bone gap (ABG) measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz after a period of 12 months. Pre- and post-operative continuous variables were compared using a paired t-test and data from unequal groups were assessed for significant differences using unpaired t-test. Results: Successful rehabilitation of the ABG to 20 dB or less was achieved in 95% of patients. Overall mean improvement in ABG was 25.8 ± 5.6 dB, which was statistically significant (t = 26.8, P 0.5). Conclusion: The new autologous B-TORP provides sustainable hearing improvement and is bio-compatible, stable, and magnetic resonance imaging compatible.

Fat graft myringoplasty in small central perforations

Background: Perforations of the tympanic membrane (TM) are treated with various surgical techniques and materials. Although autologous temporalis fascia is the most common material used for the closure of TM perforations, however for a dry, small central perforation the fat graft myringoplasty (FM) is a good alternative as it is a simple and cost-effective technique. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of FM for repair of small central perforations. Suggestions for optimizing the outcome of FM are presented. Material and Methods: Twenty patients (10 males and 10 females) who had uncomplicated dry small central perforation, which was confined to one quadrant of the pars tensa underwent FM. The outcome was evaluated after 1-week, 1-month, and 3 months. Results: After 3 months of follow-up, a closure rate of 80% was achieved. Mean preoperative air-bone (AB) gap was 22.90 ± 6.54 dB and mean postoperative AB gap was 21.80 ± 6.28 dB. Mean improvement in AB gap postoperatively was 1.1 ± 2.63 dB. Conclusion: Fat graft myringoplasty, with its ease of technique and good graft uptake rate justifies its use in the closure of small dry central TM perforations.

Mastoid Obliteration with Silicone Blocks after Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy

ObjectivesTo evaluate the usefulness of silicone blocks as graft material for mastoid cavity obliteration in the prevention of problematic mastoid cavities after canal wall down mastoidectomies.MethodsRetrospective evaluation of 20 patients who underwent mastoid obliteration with silicone blocks between 2002 and 2009 at the Chonnam National University Hospital. The cases consisted of 17 patients with chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma and 3 patients with adhesive otitis media. The postoperative follow-up period was an average 49 months (range, 6 to 90 months). The surgical technique used at our institution composed four major steps: First, the canal wall down mastoidectomy was performed and the middle ear procedure was completed. The silicone blocks were used to fill up the mastoidectomized cavity. Then, a cortical bone pate was used to cover the surface of the silicone blocks. Finally, temporalis fascia and a split musculoperiosteal flap were used to surround the bone pate for reinforcement of the reconstructed canal wall. We examined postoperative success rate and hearing outcomes.ResultsIn 19 cases (95%), the reconstructed canal wall maintained a cylindrical shape and the ear drum healed without perforation. In only 1 case (5%), the reconstructed canal wall was destroyed with ear drum perforation. The mean improvement in air-bone gap was about 12 dB (P<0.05), and the mean improvement in air-conduction was about 16 dB (P<0.05).ConclusionWe suggest that silicone blocks could be valuable resources as graft materials for mastoid obliteration after canal wall down mastoidectomies.