Tympanosclerosis of the Eardrum in Cleft Palate Patients

Abstract

In a population of 261 cleft palate patients, ranging in age from few months to 20 years, 74 patients had tympanosclerosis of the eardrum. the calcifications disappeared in a few months in 37% of the ears showing a regeneration capability of the eardrum. the hearing threshold level was in 91% better than 20 dB PTA. 63% of the tympanosclerotic ears had middle ear pressures less than -150 mmH₂O. There was a significant association between the use of ventilating tubes and tympanosclerosis of the eardrum.