Ossicular Discontinuity Research Articles

Outcomes After Exoscopic Versus Microscopic Ossicular Chain Reconstruction.

To analyze the outcomes of exoscopic versus microscopic ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR). Retrospective chart review. Tertiary care otology-neurotology practice. Adult subjects with a diagnosis of ossicular discontinuity from 2018 to 2022. Exoscopic or microscopic primary OCR (without mastoidectomy) with a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). Audiometric outcomes at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively including bone and air pure tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), change in ABG, speech reception threshold (SRT), and word recognition score (WRS). Secondary outcomes included operative time and complication rates of primary and delayed graft failure, tympanic membrane lateralization, prosthesis extrusion, cerebrospinal fluid leak, facial nerve injury, profound hearing loss, persistent tinnitus, and persistent vertigo. Sixty ears underwent primary OCR and were subdivided based on prosthesis type (PORP and TORP) and surgical approach (exoscope vs microscope). Exoscopic OCR was performed on 30 ears (21 PORP, 9 TORP), and microscopic OCR was performed on 30 ears (19 PORP, 11 TORP). In the overall group (PORP + TORP) and in the PORP and TORP subgroups, there were no significant differences in 1) demographics, 2) intraoperative findings, and 3) audiometric outcomes of bone and air PTA, ABG, change in ABG, SRT, and WRS at 1 year postoperatively. Operative time was 64.7 and 59.6 minutes for the exoscopic and microscopic group, respectively (p = 0.4, 95% CI [-16.4, 6.1], Cohen's D = 0.2). Audiometric and surgical outcomes after exoscopic and microscopic OCR are comparable.

Distinct audiometric patterns in congenital round window atresia: A comparative study with common congenital middle ear anomalies

ObjectiveLittle is known about the hearing characteristics in patients with congenital round window atresia (CRWA). This study aimed to investigate hearing characteristics in patients with CRWA by comparing them with two relatively common congenital middle ear anomalies: congenital stapedial fixation (CSF) and congenital ossicular discontinuity (COD). MethodsLiterature searches yielded five patients with surgically confirmed CRWA (seven ears), who were included in the CRWA group, along with one of our patients. Air and bone conduction thresholds; air-bone gap (ABG); and presence and depth of the Carhart notch were analyzed. These audiometric variables in the CRWA group were compared with those in the CSF (n = 15) and COD (n = 22) groups, comprising patients identified from our institution's medical database. ResultsAverage bone and air conduction thresholds in the CRWA group were 16.4 (standard deviation [SD]: 2.9; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 14.6–18.3) and 44.6 (SD: 3.5; 95 % CI: 42.6–47.3) dB hearing level (HL). Bone conduction thresholds at high frequencies (≥2 kHz) were higher than those at low frequencies (<2 kHz), while air conduction thresholds at high frequencies were lower than those at low frequencies: ABGs at high frequencies were significantly smaller than those at low frequencies (2 kHz vs. 0.5 kHz, p = 0.027; 2 kHz vs. 1 kHz, p = 0.041; 4 kHz vs. 0.5 kHz, p = 0.042; 4 kHz vs. 1 kHz, p = 0.027). There were no between-group differences in incidence and depth of the Carhart notch. ConclusionCRWA could manifest as a distinct audiometric pattern with poorer bone conduction and better air conduction at ≥2 kHz, resulting in significantly smaller ABGs at higher frequencies than that at lower frequencies. Our findings indicated that this pattern differed from that of CSF and COD. The unique beer bottle-shaped audiogram associated with CRWA might facilitate its early diagnosis in patients with congenital conductive hearing loss.

Correlation between Clinical and Audiological Factors with Ossicular Chain Continuity in Chronic Otitis Media

Introduction: Chronic otitis media (COM) with the perforation of the tympanic membrane, myringoplasty is preferred treatment, but if ossicles are involved, myringoplasty is done with ossiculoplasty which is termed as tympanoplasty. Preoperative assessment of ossicular status is important to decide the type of tympanoplasty. Ossicular chain continuity is generally seen in the patient who has short duration of disease and smaller air–bone gap. Our study was conducted to support the relationship between preoperative clinical, audiological, and other factors in relation to the ossicular chain status. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center, for 2-year duration (November 2019 to November 2021), on 100 patients who presented with COM (mucosal type). Preoperative diagnosis and assessment based on the clinical examination and investigations were compared with operative findings. Results: Thirty percent of the patients had ear discharge duration &lt;1 year, 28% had 1–5 years, and 18% patients had 6–10-year duration. Hearing loss was present in 80% of the cases. Correlation of pure-tone average (PTA) with ossicular chain status was significant with P = 0.028. The majority of patients were in the moderate category 31% and 19.36% of patients had ossicular chain defect. The second common category was mild hearing loss (24%), of which 4.17% of patients showed ossicular chain defect. Conclusion: Maximum percentages of patients with severe hearing loss had ossicular chain discontinuity followed by profound hearing loss. Most of cases had moderate to moderately severe conductive hearing loss in PTA. As the air–bone gap increases, the possibility of ossicular discontinuity increases.

Mucosal-Type Chronic Otitis Media: Clinical Predictors of Postoperative Success.

Chronic otitis media (COM) remains a global disease, a burden, and a challenge. Predicting its treatment's postoperative success based on clinical presentation has not been reported, particularly for the mucosal (tubotympanic/safe) type. A prospective descriptive study of patients with mucosal-type COM was done to identify clinical predictors of improved postoperative hearing outcomes and successful graft uptakes. Among the 110 ears studied, tympanoplasty was performed in 76 and corticalmastoidectomy with tympanoplasty in 34, based on six weeks of discharge-free or persistent discharge, respectively; all were treated with postoperative intranasal steroid spray. Eustachian tube dysfunction was noted in 96.4%. All patients with a history of ear discharge over five years had ossicular discontinuity, and those with persistent discharge had nonpatent aditus. Normal postoperative hearing was attained in most patients with less than one year of ear discharge.Surgical intervention within a year achieved normal hearing and graft success of 100% with type I tympanoplasty using the fascia alone in discharge-free ears and cortical mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty using cartilage-fascia graft in discharging ears, despite Eustachian tube dysfunction. In the latter group, graft success in type II tympanoplasty was 76.9%. Ear discharge is the prime predictor of postoperative success in mucosal-type COM, as its duration and persistence dictate the time and type of surgical intervention.Duration of more than five years is directly proportional to pre-operative hearing loss with ossicular involvement and inversely proportional to postoperative hearing improvement, necessitating early surgical intervention, despite it being the mucosal or "safe type." Ear discharge-free for six weeks is an indicator of tympanoplasty. Persistent ear discharge, despite nonotogenic confounders, suggests aditus nonpatency, indicates the need for cortical mastoidectomy, and necessitates achieving its patency along with tympanoplasty. A surgical decision-making algorithm for the best possible surgical outcome in the chronic mucosal type of OM is also suggested.

Audiologic Consequences of Gunshot Wounds to the Temporal Bone Show No Relation to Concomitant Neurologic or Vascular Injuries.

To evaluate audiologic consequences of gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the temporal bone (TB), and to correlate hearing outcomes with neurologic and vascular injuries adjacent to the temporal bone. Retrospective case series. University-based level-one trauma center. Retrospective review of 35 patients surviving TB ballistic injury, 2012 to 2021. Main outcomes were audiologic results. Demographics, concomitant injuries, CT, and interventions were reviewed. Mean age was 30.7 years; 80% male. Seventeen patients (48.6%) underwent audiologic testing. Mean pure tone average (PTA) was 75 ± 35 dB, bone line average 41 ± 26 dB, and speech discrimination score (SDS) 60 ± 43%. Nineteen (54.3%) demonstrated facial nerve injury (FNI), who were more likely to show SNHL especially anacusis, though their mean PTA and SDS were not statistically different from those without (P = .30 and .47, respectively). Radiographic review of those with sensorineural loss (SNHL, 6/17) revealed otic capsule-disrupting fracture (n = 2), pneumolabyrinth (n = 2), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 3). Those with mixed loss (6/17) showed otic capsule-sparing fracture (n = 6), EAC injury (n = 5), ossicular discontinuity (n = 2), and intracranial hemorrhage (n = 4). Two with mastoid tip fractures alone had normal audiograms. Audiometric outcomes were not predicted by concomitant CSF leak, spinal injuries, vascular injuries, cranial neuropathies, or traumatic brain injury. All patterns of hearing loss-conductive, sensorineural, mixed and normal-may be seen following TB ballistic injuries. Trauma severe enough to disrupt the facial nerve is more likely to cause anacusis. However, all should be formally evaluated, since ballistic injuries complicated by neurologic or vascular damage do not necessarily correlate with worse audiologic outcomes, while patients with minimal fractures may demonstrate losses.

How Does Preoperative Pure Tone Audiometry Relate to the Findings at Surgery to Explain the Hearing Status in Chronic Otitis Media?

Pure tone audiometry (PTA) guides surgical decision-making in chronic otitis media (COM), and PTA values depend upon the type and extent of COM. Our cross-sectional study included patients with COM with/without cholesteatoma who were scheduled for surgery. Findings on examination of the middle ear under the microscope and at surgery which could explain the hearing loss were corroborated with preoperative PTA through appropriate statistical methods. The study included 114 patients (mean age: 31.07 years; range: 7-57). Following preoperative PTA, 50% of patients had moderate hearing loss and ~73% had air-bone gap (ABG) <35 dB. Conductive hearing loss affected 109 patients (97.61%); five had mixed hearing loss. At surgery, 27 patients (23.68%) had ossicular discontinuity, with the incus being the most affected. Twenty-one patients in this group had ABG ≥35 dB. Perforations involving the anterior and posterior halves of the pars tensa, and subtotal perforations, demonstrated the maximum mean hearing loss [45.39±8.29 dB HL (p=0.075), 51.08±12.51 dB HL (p=0.26), respectively]. The mean pure tone average in the intact ossicles group was 43.62±8.07 dB HL and that in the absent/eroded ossicles group was 58.15±11.05 dB HL (p<0.0001); the mean ABG was 27.89±4.77 dB and 38.88±6.47 dB, respectively (p<0.0001). Hearing loss was significantly associated with the size but not the site of the central perforation. With ossicular discontinuity, hearing loss and ABG deteriorated significantly. The findings re-establish the relationship between preoperative PTA and the middle ear status which should help surgeons plan surgery and counsel patients regarding hearing outcomes.

Type 1 Tympanoplasty by Interlay Technique for Management of Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Tympanic membrane is the partition between the external ear and middle layer which is a vital component of the human ear. Neglected or maltreated earache, ear discharge and trauma lead to perforation of tympanic membrane. Tympanoplasty is the surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated tympanic membrane, with/without reconstruction of the ossicles, with the aim of preventing reinfection and restoring hearing ability. Type 1 tympanoplasty is the simple closure of the tympanic membrane perforation. To study the outcome of type 1 tympanoplasty operation by interlay technique, a descriptive longitudinal study was conducted among 200 patients in Community Based Medical College Hospital and in private clinics of Mymensingh from January 2012 to December 2021. Our inclusion criteria was population of age ranging from 15 to 55 yrs of both sexes having dry central perforation for at least 6 weeks and exclusion criteria was patient with active stage of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), ossicular discontinuity, sensory neural hearing loss. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Prevalence of taking graft was 96.00%. Measured by difference of preoperative air bone gap (ABG) and postoperative ABG of 15 decibel (dB) hearing improvement rate was 90%. Complication was minimal (1%). The complication was infection due to non-compliance with postoperative advice and treatment. Type 1 tympanoplasty done by interlay technique has excellent results both in terms of graft taken and hearing improvement with minimal complications.&#x0D; CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 67-72

Prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) and other middle ear problems among apparently healthy children in some selected primary schools in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Middle ear effusion (MEE) is the commonest ear problem affecting children less than 6 years and is a threat to deafness which is common in our environment. Tympanometry is used to determine MEE and other problems of the middle ear. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of middle ear effusion and other middle ear problems among apparently healthy school children in some selected schools in Kano Metropolis. The study was in four primary schools located in Kano metropolis where socio-demographic characteristics of the participants (whose parents consented) were recorded, and pneumatic tympanometry was conducted. The participants were 150 school children (78 males and 72 females) aged 4-12 years and were selected using stratified sampling technique, with mean age of 9.8 ± 2.2 years. Results showed that Cronbach’s alpha was &gt; 85% for both intra and inter-observer error estimate. In all the measured parameters, significant sexual dimorphism was only found in the right ear cavity volume (Rt ECV) with males having higher values (p&lt;0.05). Majority of the pupils (82%) had normal (type A) tympanogram, 6% had flat (type B) which signifies middle ear effusion, 5.4% had type C tympanogram which signifies negative middle ear pressure and clinically eustachian tube dysfunction, 5.6% had type As (osteosclerosis of the middle ear), and 1% has Ad type (ossicular discontinuity). Age, height &amp; weight correlated significantly with one or more of the measured ear parameters of the left or right in both sexes. The prevalence of MEE among school-aged children in Kano metropolis is alarming and is a threat to deafness. Therefore, clinicians should be more suspicious and include routine ear examination for children in their practice to detect uncomplicated MEE.

Radiological and Audiological Prediction for Ossicular Fixation in Chronic Otitis Media and Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

Recurrent middle-ear infection can lead to ossicular fixation, adversely affecting post-tympanoplasty hearing outcomes. Preoperative prediction of ossicular fixation remains challenging. We aimed to investigate potential predictors of ossicular fixation in patients with chronic otitis media. Retrospective. Tertiary academic medical center. Patients with noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media and tympanic membrane perforation, without ossicular discontinuities. Diagnostic. The fixation of each ossicle was assessed during tympanoplasty. The impact of preoperative otoscopic findings, computed tomography (CT) features, and hearing levels on the prediction of ossicular fixation was evaluated using uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses. One hundred thirty-five patients were included. Soft-tissue density between the malleus head and the anterior wall (odds ratio, 3.789 [95% confidence interval, 1.177-12.196]; p = 0.0255) and poor development of mastoid cells (16.826 [2.015-134.520]; p = 0.0078) were independent predictors of malleus fixation. In addition, ≥50% tympanic membrane perforation (5.412 [1.908-15.353]; p = 0.0015), poor development of mastoid cells (3.386 [1.039-11.034]; p = 0.0431), and a ≥40-dB preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) at 500 Hz (4.970 [1.732-14.261]; p = 0.0029) were independent predictors of incus fixation. Soft-tissue density surrounding the stapes (18.833 [1.856-191.104]; p = 0.0119) and a ≥40-dB preoperative ABG at 500 Hz (13.452 [1.640-∞]; p = 0.0138) were correlated with stapes fixation. The accurate prediction of ossicular fixation in patients with chronic otitis media based on CT features and the ABG may facilitate decision-making regarding the need for ossiculoplasty, possibly avoiding unnecessary manipulation or overlooking of fixation.

Comparative Evaluation of Hearing in Cartilage Umbrella, Boomerang and Torp in Chronic Otitis Media Cases with Absent Stapes Suprastructure: Our Experience.

Ossicular discontinuity is one of the most common causes of conductive hearing loss. Ossicular chain reconstruction improves conductive hearing loss. With no additional cost, cartilage ossiculoplasty is easy to perform, and also the cartilage is well tolerated being an autograft. In this study we compared the audiological outcome in ossiculoplasty done by cartilage umbrella, cartilage boomerang and alloplastic TORP. 75 patients of age group 10-50years clinically diagnosed with chronic otitis media with conductive hearing loss and an air bone gap (ABG) of at least 20dB posted for surgery were included. Ossiculoplasty was done in three groups with autologous cartilage boomerang, cartilage umbrella and alloplastic TORP. In mucosal disease hearing gain was better in umbrella technique (17.66 ± 1.1) dB than Boomerang (16.9 ± 0.8) dB and TORP (10.68 ± 0.9) dB. ABG closure was higher in Boomerang and TORP. Hearing improvement in patients with squamosal disease managed by canal wall up surgery was 25.01 ± 1.1dB, 27.73 ± 3.1dB and 20.12 ± 1.8dB in Boomerang, Umbrella and TORP group respectively showing that umbrella method gave maximum improvement. ABG closure was better in TORP group. In canal wall down surgery patient's maximum improvement was seen in Boomerang (29.51 ± 0.9) dB followed by Umbrella (26.67 ± 1.2) dB and TORP (25.27 ± 0.8) dB group. ABG closure was higher in Boomerang group. Cartilage ossiculoplasty is a reliable and effective method of ossicular chain reconstruction for both mucosal and squamosal disease. Cartilage ossiculoplasty has the added advantage of reduced chances of prosthesis extrusion as compared to TORP.

Preoperative predictors of Ossicular Discontinuity in non-Cholesteatoma Chronic Otitis Media

Background: Though ossicular discontinuity is more common in cases of cholesteatoma, it may happen in non-cholesteatoma COM. The long process of incus is more frequently involved ossicle. Peroperative assessment of ossicular integrity is the gold standard way. But the discontinuity of the ossicular chain can be assumed before surgery by analyzing perforation edge adherent to medial wall and wide air-bone gap The purpose of the study was to find out the preoperative findings which can predict the ossicular discontinuity in non-cholesteatoma cases.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Otolaryngology-Head &amp; Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2013 to June 2014. 81 patients of COM without cholesteatoma were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were collected in a predesigned data collection sheet and analyzed with standard statistical method. Statistically significant inferred for P value &lt;0.05. No groups whose ability to give voluntary informed consent questionable was not included. No potential risks exist in designed this study.&#x0D; Results: Air-bone gap &gt; 40 dB was found in 60% cases of ossicular discontinuity, followed by air bone gap 31-40 dB(20%), 21-30 dB(13.33%) and 11-20 dB( 6.67%) respectively. So ossicular discontinuity was more in higher air-bone gap group and it was statistically highly significant (p&lt;0.001). Perforation edge attached to medial wall where ossicular discontinuity was 93.3% and perforation edge free from medial wall was 6.7%.Ossicular discontinuity was higher when perforation edge was found attached to medial wall which was highly statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). Out of 25 granulation tissue cases ossicular discontinuity was found 21(84%) and ossicular chain intact was found 4(16%). That was statistically significant (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Non-cholesteatoma COM may cause ossicular disconnection. Majority ossicular discontinuity found when average air bone gap &gt; 40 dB. Ossicular discontinuity was also found more in cases where there is attachment of perforation edge to medial wall, and presence of granulation tissue. If preoperative information can be gathered to determine whether or not the ossicular chain is intact, the patient can be better informed, counseled for ossiculoplasty before surgery.&#x0D; J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 29, No.1, April, 2020, Page 47-52

Study of role of autologous versus homologous cartilage ossicular reconstruction

Background: Chronic otitis media with ossicular discontinuity is most commonly faced otological condition which causes conductive hearing loss. It presents mostly with ear discharge and decreased hearing. The use of cartilage graft material in ossiculoplasty markedly improve the result in hearing. In this study we have used autologous (tragal/conchal) cartilage or homologous (septal) cartilage for ossiculoplasty and temporalis fascia graft for tympanoplasty.Aims: Aim of the study was to compare and analyze the outcome of ossiculoplasty using autologous conchal/tragal cartilage and homologous septal cartilage in terms of hearing results and graft uptake rates. Materials and method: The study was conducted in E.N.T. Department at S.C.L. Hospital, NHLMMC Ahmedabad. 50 patients were randomly selected and divided in 2 groups. 25 patients underwent homologous and 25 patients underwent autologous cartilage reconstruction. All patients underwent detailed ENT examination followed by audiological and radiological assessment of temporal bone, and those patients with evidence of ossicular erosion were subjected to ossiculoplasty with autologous cartilage and homologous cartilage randomly. Results: Majority of the patients have central perforation and retraction pockets in middle ear pathology in both groups. Overall graft taken up rate was 96% in autologous while 92% in homologous ossiculoplasty. Our study shows hearing improvement up to 20-25 dB in 80% and 88% in autologous and homologous ossiculoplasty. Conclusion: Both autologous and homologous cartilage have excellent outcomes and gives equivalent results irrespective of age or sex of the patient or middle ear pathology. In both the groups hearing improvement is similar. Subjective hearing is also improved. No post-op complications like wound infection, facial palsy, dead ear have occurred in either case.

A Prospective Cohort Study on Ossicular Reconstruction Using Autologous Incus or Cartilage in Chronic Otitis Media

Abstract Background: Loss of hearing resulting from ossicular discontinuity is prevalent, with chronic otitis media being the primary causative factor. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at evaluating the potential of autologous incus and cartilage in restoring hearing as well as identifying predictors of ossiculoplasty outcomes. Methodology: Patients with autologous incus constituted Group I (n = 52) and patients with autologous cartilage constituted Group II (n = 48). Reliability of pre-operative predictors such as pure-tone average, air-bone gap, and middle ear risk index (MERI) scores in anticipating hearing associated outcomes of ossiculoplasty was investigated. Inferential statistics were employed. Results: Group I patients displayed better postoperative outcomes in terms of pure-tone audiometry than Group II counterparts (P = 0.0035). Age (P = 0.044), MERI (P = 0.021) and gender (P = 0.046) proved to be reliable indicators. Conclusion: Autologous incus can be explored as a competent ossiculoplasty material in developing countries.

Quantitative Measurements in Otological Surgery: Use of an Endoscopic Integrated Multipoint Laser System.

Assess the clinical utility of an Endoscopic Integrated Multipoint Laser System (EMLS) to otology. This is an emerging technology from automotive engineering that may offer the ability to accurately measure anatomy and pathology using an endoscope while undertaking ear surgery. Simulated otology patients were used incorporating the Phacon Temporal Bone synthetic models and Kyoto Kagaku Ear Examination Simulator models to allow assessment of the EMLS technology in evaluating external ear and middle ear pathology, e.g., perforation or prosthesis sizing. Eight otolaryngology resident and fellows at a tertiary university teaching hospital were given training in EMLS and reviewed simulated anatomy and pathology within the models including tympanic membrane perforation, ossicular discontinuity, and a cochleostomy. Variance in measurement was assessed in relation to those made manually by an independent surgeon using surgical calipers (0.1 mm). The 8 participants produced 47 mean measurements. The mean difference from independently made manual measurement was 0.294 mm (standard error of the mean 0.033). Maximum variance was 0.98 mm and minimum 0.01 mm. Use of an integrated endoscopic laser measurement tool allows reliable, easy-to-obtain measurements to be obtained within a simulated otological surgical environment. Translation of the technology to a thinner delivery system through a rigid endoscope offers further promise for routine use in a clinical setting.

Bone Cement for Ossicular Chain Defects

Abstract Background: The discontinuity of ossicular chain most commonly affects the incudostapedial joint in 80% of patients an absent incus, or an absent incus and stapes superstructure. This discontinuity leads to a conductive hearing loss of different degrees. The goals of surgery for chronic ear disease are eradication of the disease and reconstruction of a sound transformer mechanism, but reconstructing this defect is a challenging procedure for the surgeon with different treatment options such as total ossicular chain prosthesis, a partial ossicular chain prosthesis, incus interposition, or bone cement utilization. Extrusion of the prosthesis is still a challenge in ossiculoplasty with alloplastic materials, especially in patients with poor eustachian tube function. Bone cement is cost effective, because it is cheaper than other ossiculoplasty materials, and this cost-effectiveness plays an important role in the decision the surgeon has to make, and bone cement has a promising role in this so, there is a rising interest in the otologic surgical field to use bone cement because of its biocompatible profile, its easy application, its suitable cost, and its low extrusion rate. Also, it may have a potentiality of neo-osteogenesis. Aim of Study: To evaluate the post-operative results and usefulness of bone cement application in repairing ossicular chain defects, to discuss surgical technique, and to compare pre-operative and post-operative ABG. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out in the ORL-HNS Department, Hearing and Speech Institute, from April 2015 to March 2018, on 30 patients with ossicular chain defect. Bridging of ossicular discontinuity was done by glass monomer bone cement in all patients. Results: In this study, successful hearing restoration could be achieved in 96% of the patients represented, as 52% of the patients had hearing improvement (dB gain) of more than or equal 10 dB, and 26% of patients had hearing im-provement (dB gain) more than 20 dB, and 18% of patients had hearing improvement (dB gain) of more than 40 dB, after 12 months.Conclusion: Incudostapedial joint rebridging ossiculo-plasty with ionomeric bone cement is a reliable method for ossicular reconstruction that is cost effective and offers satisfactory hearing results in selected patients.

Comparision of Allogenic Cartilage and Autologous Cortical Bone in Ossicular Reconstruction: A Comparative Study.

Ossicular discontinuity is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss. The use of ossicular graft material in ossicular chain reconstruction significantly improves the result in hearing. This study was conducted to compare and analyze the outcome of ossicular reconstruction using allogenic septal spur cartilage and autologous cortical bone in terms of hearing results and graft uptake rates. Study design: randomized clinical trial. Study included 112 patients visiting our ENT department. Patients between 16 and 50years of age with history of chronic ear discharge and air-bone-gap (ABG) of > 35dB and ossicular involvement were included in the study. The patients underwent detailed ENT examination, audiological and radiological assessment of temporal bone and those patients with evidence of ossicular erosion were subjected to ossiculoplasty with allogenic septal spur cartilage (group I) and autologous cortical bone (group II) randomly. The patients were followed up to 6months to analyze functional and anatomical results. 50 patients out of 56 patients (90%) from group I who underwent allogenic septal cartilage ossicular reconstruction showed significant improvement in hearing as assessed by pure tone audiogram after 3months and 6months. Remaining 10% of patients who did not show hearing improvement on PTA were reopened after 6months. It was observed that the stapes head got necrosed in them. 40 patients (72%) out of 56 patients (50%) from group II who underwent autologous cortical bone reconstruction showed hearing improvement. Remaining 16 patients (28%) showed no hearing improvement. They were reopened and ankylosis, dislocation of ossicle and extrusion were noted. In our study, graft uptake rates, formation of retraction pockets, and hearing improvements were analyzed. Complications like ankylosis formation, dislocation of ossicle and extrusion rates were more in the group II compared to group I. Hearing results of group I are better compared to group II and the allogenic septal cartilage being readily available is a good option for ossicular reconstruction.

Relationship of Preoperative Hearing loss with Peroperative Ossicular Discontinuity in Chronic Otitis Media

Background: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is a common disease in our country. COM with or without cholesteatoma may lead to ossicular discontinuity. However, the discontinuity of the ossicular chain is usually confirmed during operation. The purpose of the study was to find out the correlation between preoperative hearing loss and the status of ossicular chain at surgery.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of otolaryngology- Head &amp; neck surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from January 2013 to June 2014. At least 113 patients of COM were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were collected in a predesigned data collection sheet and analyzed with standard statistical method. Statistically significant inferred for P value &lt;0.05. No groups whose ability to give voluntary informed consent questionable was not included. No potential risks exist in designed this study.&#x0D; Results: Out of 34 patients with mild degree of hearing loss 31(39.7%) had intact ossicular chain whereas discontinuity was seen in 3(8.6%) cases, 37 patients with moderate degree of hearing loss 16(45.7%) had ossicular discontinuity. Among 23 patients with moderate to severe degree of hearing loss 14(17.9%) had intact ossicular chain whereas ossicular discontinuity was found 9(25.7%), 9 patients of severe degree of hearing loss 7(20%) had ossicular discontinuity. Cases with moderate and severe degree of hearing loss had significant ossicular discontinuity (p&lt;0.05). Air-bone gap &gt; 40 dB was found in 60% cases of ossicular discontinuity, followed by air bone gap 31-40 dB(17.14%), 21-30 dB(14.29%) and 11-20 dB( 8.57%) respectively. So ossicular discontinuity was in higher air-bone gap group and it was statistically significant (p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2019; 25(2): 94-101

Long-Term Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients With Blast-Induced Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

To describe characteristics of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients with blast-induced tympanic membrane (TM) perforations that required surgery. A retrospective review of hearing outcomes in those who had tympanoplasty for combat blast-induced TM perforations. These were sequential cases from one military otolaryngologist from 2007 to 2012. A total of 87 patients were reviewed, and of those, 49 who had appropriate preinjury, preoperative, and long-term audiograms were included. Those with pre-existing hearing loss were excluded. Preinjury audiograms were used to assess how sensorineural thresholds changed in the ruptured ears, and in the contralateral ear in those with unilateral perforations. The mean time from injury to the final postoperative audiogram was 522 days. In the ears with TM perforations, 70% had SNHLs of 10 dB or less (by bone conduction pure tone averages). Meanwhile, approximately 8% had threshold shifts >30 dB, averaging 50 dB. The strongest predictor of severe or profound hearing loss was ossicular discontinuity. Thresholds also correlated with bilateral injury and perforation size. In those with unilateral perforations, the SNHL was almost always larger on the side with the perforation. Those with SNHL often had a low-to-mid frequency threshold shift and, in general, audiograms that were flatter across frequencies than those of a typical population of military personnel with similar levels of overall hearing loss. There is a bimodal distribution of hearing loss in those who experience a blast exposure severe enough to perforate at least one TM. Most ears recover close to their preinjury thresholds, but a minority experience much larger sensorineural threshold shifts. Blast exposed ears also tend to have a flatter audiogram than most service members with similar levels of hearing loss.

Pediatric ossiculoplasty: optimizing outcomes.

Despite years of research, pediatric ossiculoplasty remains a challenging surgery with numerous variables factoring into successful outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize recent publications on surgical technique, timing, and reconstruction materials. The cause behind ossicular discontinuity does not seem to play a role in hearing results after ossiculoplasty; however, revision surgery is associated with worsening outcomes. The status of the ossicles remains an active area of interest, but the data remain mixed in terms of them playing a role in predicting outcomes in adults and pediatric patients. There remains debate regarding the utility of staging the reconstruction and is often undertaken on a case-by-case basis. Other recent publications highlight positive outcomes associated with canal wall-up procedures, titanium prostheses, and partial ossicular reconstruction prostheses. Endoscopic middle ear surgery in ossiculoplasty has been shown to be successful in monitoring and removal of disease and helpful in reconstruction. Pediatric ossiculoplasty remains a challenging yet rewarding procedure. The bulk of publications are retrospective making much of the literature difficult to interpret. There remains a need for prospective and well controlled studies in both adult and pediatric populations.

The first Malaysian experience on totally endoscopic ear surgery

Introduction:Totally endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is defined as exclusive application of endoscope transcanally in otologic surgery. This study is aimed to highlight indications and ear pathologies for TEES. In addition, intraoperative, early postoperative and delayed postoperative complications of TEES will be also described in this study.Methodology:This is a retrospective study of TEES performed by a single experienced and trained otologist in endoscopic ear surgery in a single institution between 1 July 2014 and 31 June 2018. A total of 43 patients were recruited in this study. Sociodemographic information, indications for TEES, ear pathologies, type of surgery performed and complications of TEES were analyzed.Results:The indications for TEES comprised middle ear lesion (65.1%), followed by second look surgery (14.0%), external auditory canal lesion (11.6%) and internal acoustic meatus lesion and surgery for conductive hearing loss which were 4.7%. Various external auditory canal pathologies encountered for TEES were ear canal osteoma (4.7%), acquired ear canal stenosis (2.3%) and tumor (4.7%). Regarding middle ear pathologies, limited atticoantral cholesteatoma accounted for most of the cases, 46.5%. Other middle ear lesions included adhesive otitis media (14.0%), recurrent cholesteatoma (14.0%), tumor (4.7%), otosclerosis (2.3%) and ossicular discontinuity (2.3%). Internal acoustic meatus lesion constituted 4.7% of cases. Some 4.7% of cases developed intraoperative complications, while early and delayed complications were 7.0%.Conclusion:TEES is a feasible surgical technique for diverse ear pathologies in the otologic specialty. It is also proven to be safe with good surgical outcomes.