Surgical rehabilitation of hearing in children with chronic suppurative otitis media.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tympanoplasty is mainly indicated for the surgical debridement of the middle ear and the creation of a closed tympanic cavity and a mobile and functional sound transmission system. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the state of hearing according to pure tone threshold audiometry before and after hearing-improving operations in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed the hearing state according to pure tone threshold audiometry data before and after tympanoplasty in 65 children aged 5–17 years. Hearing status was assessed before surgery and on 18–21 days and 6–12 months after surgery. The patients underwent tympanoplasty types I, II, and III according to H. Wullstein. To close the tympanic membrane defect, restore the lateral wall of the attic, and replenish the elements of the chain of auditory ossicles, the following materials were used: perichondrium of the tragus and auricle, cartilage of the tragus and auricle, perichondrial–cartilaginous flaps, and periosteum. RESULTS: In this study, patients’ satisfaction rates of the anatomical and functional results of tympanoplasty were 86% and 78%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilaginous ossiculoplasty was performed on the head of stapes and oval window, and a perichondrial–cartilaginous flap was used to form the tympanic membrane. This method was effective in creating a sound-conducting system of the middle ear in children.