Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Compare hearing outcomes between sparing of the myringosclerotic patch and removing it as a step in myringoplasty for chronic tubotympanic chronic otitis media with central perforation and myringosclerotic patch.

MATERIALS and METHODS: A total of 94 patients having chronic suppurative otitis media (inactive stage) with central drum perforation and a myringosclerotic patch in the same ear were included in the study. They were divided into four groups according to the site of the myringosclerotic patch, and each group was randomly divided into two subgroups: subgroup A, where myringoplasty was done after removing the tympanosclerotic patch regardless of site, and subgroup B, where myringoplasty was done, leaving the tympanosclerotic patch in its place. Pure tone audiometry was done preoperatively and compared with that done 10 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS: A non significantly higher net hearing gain was noticed in subgroup A, irrespective of the site of the myringosclerotic patch. Significant results were seen only in cases where the myringosclerotic patch was connecting the handle of the malleus to the tympanic annulus in subgroup A compared to subgroup B.

CONCLUSION: The site of the myringosclerotic patch and its inclusion as a step in the surgery largely affect the improvement of hearing after myringoplasty.