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Rapid maxillary expansion and conductive hearing loss
Fatma Taşpinar1, Harun Uçüncü, Samir E Bishara
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. taspinar@atauni.edu.tr
The Angle Orthodontist
|January 15, 2004
Summary
Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) significantly improved conductive hearing loss in adolescents with maxillary constriction. These hearing improvements were largely maintained two years post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Maxillary constriction and high palatal vault are associated with conductive hearing loss.
- Conductive hearing loss can impact quality of life and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on conductive hearing loss.
- To assess hearing changes over time following RME treatment.
Main Methods:
- 35 subjects (mean age 14y 6m) with maxillary constriction and conductive hearing loss underwent RME.
- Pure-tone audiometry assessed hearing levels and air-bone gaps at four intervals: pre-RME, post-expansion, post-retention, and 2-year follow-up.
- Analysis of variance assessed statistical significance of changes.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in hearing levels and air-bone gaps were observed post-RME (P < .001).
- 74% of patients maintained hearing improvements two years after active treatment.
- Changes were noted in both timing and frequency of hearing levels.
Conclusions:
- Rapid maxillary expansion is an effective treatment for conductive hearing loss in patients with maxillary constriction.
- The positive effects of RME on hearing are durable, with most improvements sustained long-term.
- RME offers a viable therapeutic option for improving hearing in this specific patient population.