The current study compares outcomes of modified cartilage shield tympanoplasty (CST) with temporalis fascia tympanoplasty in type I procedures in Indian patients. Graft uptake rates are better with the CST technique and hearing results are almost equivalent with both techniques except at 8000 Hz where improvement in hearing was found better with the use of temporalis fascia alone. The CST technique used in the study is unique.

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To compare the results, in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement, of modified cartilage shield technique of tympanoplasty using either partial thickness tragal cartilage or full thickness tragal cartilage for type I procedures. 35 patients were included in group A where a partial thickness tragal cartilage was used and 27 patients included in group B where a full thickness tragal cartilage was used for modified cartilage shield tympanoplasty. Audiometry done at 4 months after surgery and the results compared. The graft take up rate for both these techniques is excellent. There had been no statistically significant difference in hearing gain between these two groups, except at 4,000 Hz, where hearing gain had been more in group A than group B with P value being 0.027. The modified cartilage shield tympanoplasty is a good technique for closure of tympanic membrane perforations. Hearing gain is very much similar between thin and thick cartilage groups, except at 4,000 Hz.