OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the hearing results of embedding the partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis (PORP) underneath the malleus with the malleus relocation technique and tympanic membrane graft in the presence of the malleus.

MATERIALS and METHODS: A retrospective review of patient charts and audiometric results in a tertiary referral center was conducted. In total, 83 patients who underwent intact canal tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy between 2010 and 2015 were included and divided into two different groups: malleus assembly to the stapes head (MASH) and tympanic membrane assembly to the stapes head (TASH). Pre- and postoperative audiometric results were assessed. The air-bone gap (ABG) and hearing gains were evaluated according to the groups.

RESULTS: In MASH, 86.1% (n=31) of the patients were received successful  surgery and the postoperative average ABG was 10.41 dB. In TASH, 82.9% (n=39) of the patients were considered successful and the postoperative ABG was 13.27 dB. According to the overall data, MASH was more statistically successful than TASH, and hearing gains at 500 Hz (p<0.036), 2000 Hz (p<0.031), and PTA (p<0.22) were statistically significant better in the MASH group.

CONCLUSION: Malleus relocation is a successful technique with the presence of the malleus and provides better hearing outcomes than direct placement under the tympanomeatal flap. Both malleus- and tympanomeatal flap-linked groups were successful, but the malleus-linked group showed better ABGs.