Frequency-Specific Analysis of Hearing Outcomes after Surgery for Chronic Ear Diseases

Abstract

Objective To analyze frequency-specific hearing results surgery for chronic ear diseases, in relation to various surgical factors. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary referral centre. Participants A total of 173 patients with chronic ear diseases who underwent surgical management at our hospital. Main outcome measures Air conduction threshold (AC), bone conduction threshold (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) were tested at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz, respectively. Frequency-specific results were investigate in relation to various surgical factors. Results The radical mastoidectomy group and tympanoplasty group significantly improved in AC changes at every frequency. In the tympanoplasty group, ABG at all frequencies except 4,000 (P =.069) significantly improved. AC improved at low and mid frequencies when ossicular reconstruction was conducted. Different tympanic membrane repair materials showed significant improvement in AC at all frequencies. In all groups, BC data revealed significant improvements at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. Conclusions The hearing improved significantly postoperatively in AC and ABG test, mainly at low and mid frequencies. The BC improved significantly at 500-2000Hz.