Relationship between the Shape of the Reconstructed Tympanic Cavity and the Postoperative Auditory Function

Abstract

The dependence of the postoperative hearing function on the shape of the reconstructed tympanic cavity has been evaluated. After reconstructing a large tympanic cavity, the results were very good; after reconstructing a flat tympanic cavity they were good and after reconstructing a cavum minor they were bad. The main cause of bad long-term hearing ability after type IV tympanoplasty was tympanofibrosis. The global results were better following closed tympanoplasty than following open tympanoplasty.

Key Words:

• Tympanic cavity reconstruction
• Auditory function
• Tympanoplasty