Chronic otitis media surgery in the only hearing ear

The present study aimed to investigate how quality of life was impacted in patients who underwent surgery for chronic otitis media in their only remaining hearing ear (OHE). Such surgical treatment is controversial, and avoided by many surgeons due to the high risk of hearing loss due to surgery. However, if the patient is left untreated, hearing may further deteriorate over time, decreasing the patient's quality of life to an undesirable level.

We performed a retrospective single-institution study of a prospectively collected database in a tertiary university hospital. Twenty-three patients with OHE who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' age, sex, treated ear, indications, and preoperative and postoperative hearing levels were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed.

Of the 23 patients with OHE, 15 regularly attended follow-up for at least two years. In all cases, the tympanic membrane perforations were closed and the ear drum became dry. An air-bone gap gain of ≥ 20 dB was measured in five patients, ≥ 10 dB in seven, and two patients showed no significant change (4-10 dB). One patient showed minimal hearing deterioration of -2 dB.

Patients with OHE can be treated surgically to improve hearing levels and quality of life. Modern surgical techniques and instruments--especially in experienced hands--may reduce the possible surgical risks. If hearing deteriorates due to surgery, it may be improved, for example, with cochlear implantation surgery.