Our Summary

This research paper focuses on the treatment of adhesive otitis media (AdOM), which is a condition where the eardrum sticks to the middle ear, causing hearing loss. The researchers analyzed the effectiveness of a surgical treatment called tympanoplasty, where a small piece of skin is taken from the ear and used to patch up the eardrum.

The study was conducted from January 2013 to April 2014, with 57 patients (60 ears) who fit the criteria for the surgery. After three years, the researchers found that the surgery controlled fluid discharge from the ear in 94% of the cases. The eardrum healed in all cases except for one, and overall, there was a significant improvement in hearing.

Before the surgery, the average gap between the sound waves that reach the eardrum through the air and those that reach it through the bones of the ear (known as the air-bone gap) was 30.4 decibels. After surgery, it reduced to 8.6 decibels, meaning the patients’ hearing improved.

The study concluded that this surgical treatment is effective and safe, with minimal risks.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical treatment called that is used to treat adhesive otitis media (AdOM)?
  2. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of tympanoplasty?
  3. What is the air-bone gap and how did it change after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, such as heavy lifting or straining. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tympanoplasty are those with adhesive otitis media (AdOM) who have symptoms such as hearing loss, ear discharge, and eardrum perforation. These patients may have tried other treatments such as antibiotics or ear drops with no improvement. Candidates for tympanoplasty should also have a healthy middle ear structure and be in overall good health to undergo surgery.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty, a patient may experience symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, ear discharge, and frequent ear infections. They may undergo a series of tests such as a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging studies to determine the cause of their symptoms.

After undergoing tympanoplasty, the patient will have a period of recovery where they may experience some discomfort, swelling, and discharge from the ear. They will need to follow specific post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon, including avoiding getting water in the ear and taking prescribed medications.

Over time, the patient will gradually experience improvement in their symptoms, with a decrease in ear discharge, pain, and infections. They will also notice an improvement in their hearing as the eardrum heals and the air-bone gap reduces. Regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon will be necessary to monitor their progress and ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tympanoplasty include:

  1. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty for treating adhesive otitis media?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after tympanoplasty?
  4. Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after the surgery?
  5. How soon after the surgery will I notice an improvement in my hearing?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities following tympanoplasty?
  8. How long do the results of the surgery typically last?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options for adhesive otitis media?
  10. What is the overall prognosis for my condition after undergoing tympanoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Larem A, Haidar H, Alsaadi A, Abdulkarim H, Abdulraheem M, Sheta S, Ganesan S, Elhakeem A, Alqahtani A. Journal: Laryngoscope. 2016 Dec;126(12):2804-2810. doi: 10.1002/lary.25987. Epub 2016 May 11. PMID: 27167089