Assessment of hearing outcome after type 1 tympanoplasty

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) often leads to tympanic membrane perforation and conductive hearing loss. Type I tympanoplasty aims to restore the integrity of the tympanic membrane while improving hearing.

Objective: To assess the hearing outcomes following Type I tympanoplasty using the underlay temporalis fascia graft.

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients with tubotympanic CSOM and intact ossicular chain were included in this prospective study. Preoperative and postoperative pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed to measure hearing thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG). Graft uptake and postoperative complications were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The mean preoperative PTA threshold was 43.8 ± 8.9 dB, which improved to 31.5 ± 6.8 dB postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean ABG reduced from 27.1 ± 6.5 dB to 14.0 ± 5.2 dB, yielding a mean hearing gain of 13.1 dB. Graft uptake at 6 months was achieved in 44 patients (88%), and postoperative complications were minimal.

Conclusion: Type I tympanoplasty using underlay temporalis fascia graft is a safe and effective procedure for repairing tympanic membrane perforations, providing significant audiological improvement and high graft success rates. Routine postoperative assessment with PTA is essential for documenting functional outcomes and counseling patients.