Our Summary

This research paper reviews the long-term outcomes of a surgical procedure called tympanoplasty, which is performed to improve hearing. The researchers studied 86 patients who underwent different types of this procedure. They tested the patients’ hearing 7 days before the surgery, and then three months, one year, and three years after the surgery.

They found that all types of tympanoplasty improved the patients’ hearing three months and one year after surgery. However, the improvement was not as strong three years after one type of procedure, which involved the implantation of a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (a type of artificial bone in the ear). This was not the case with another type of procedure, which involved a full ossicular replacement prosthesis (a complete artificial bone).

The researchers concluded that the hearing improvement might not last as long with the partial replacement procedure compared to the full replacement procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is a tympanoplasty and why is it performed?
  2. What were the long-term outcomes for the two types of tympanoplasty procedures studied in this research?
  3. Did the hearing improvement last longer with the full ossicular replacement procedure compared to the partial replacement procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing tympanoplasty to follow all post-operative care instructions closely, including avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, such as lifting heavy objects or blowing your nose too forcefully. They may also advise the patient to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. Additionally, the doctor may recommend wearing ear protection in noisy environments to prevent any damage to the repaired ear.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tympanoplasty are those who have chronic ear infections, perforations in the eardrum, or other issues that affect the middle ear and lead to hearing loss. Tympanoplasty can help improve hearing by repairing the eardrum and middle ear structures. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist to determine if they are good candidates for the surgery and which type of tympanoplasty would be most appropriate for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  • Patient experiences hearing loss or other ear-related issues
  • Consultation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to discuss treatment options
  • Pre-operative testing, such as hearing tests and imaging scans, to determine the extent of the issue
  • Scheduling of the surgery and preparation instructions given to the patient

After tympanoplasty:

  • Surgery is performed to repair the eardrum and middle ear structures
  • Recovery period, which may include pain management, follow-up appointments, and restrictions on activities like swimming or flying
  • Gradual improvement in hearing over the weeks and months following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments with the ENT specialist to monitor progress and address any concerns
  • Long-term monitoring of hearing and ear health to ensure the success of the surgery and address any potential issues that may arise

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of tympanoplasty procedure do you recommend for me and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this procedure in improving hearing?
  4. How long is the recovery period after tympanoplasty?
  5. What post-operative care will be required after the surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow up with an audiologist for hearing tests after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after tympanoplasty?
  8. How often should I come in for follow-up appointments to monitor my progress?
  9. What are the chances of needing revision surgery in the future?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with tympanoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Matuszewska I, Burduk P, Kaźmierczak W, Janiak-Kiszka J. Journal: Otolaryngol Pol. 2016 Nov 20;70(6):12-19. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0009.3734. PMID: 28485284