Endoscopic Type 1 Tympanoplasty: Evaluation of Clinical Success and Hearing Improvement

This study aimed to assess the functional and clinical outcomes of endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty in patients with chronic otitis media and tympanic membrane perforations, focusing on hearing improvement and graft success rates.

This retrospective study included 46 patients with dry tympanic membrane perforations who underwent endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty. Audiometric data, including pure tone averages (PTA) and air-bone gap (ABG) measurements at four frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz), were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Functional success was defined as a postoperative ABG of 20 dB, whereas the integrity of the graft determined clinical success.

The mean preoperative ABG was 36.74±7.62 dB, which significantly improved to 15.05±3.82 dB postoperatively (p<0.001). The PTA exhibited an average gain of 28.17±6.87 dB for all frequencies. Functional success was achieved in 42 patients (91.30%), with 17 patients (36.96%) achieving normal hearing and 22 patients (47.83%) presenting with slight hearing loss postoperatively. Anatomical success was achieved in 42 patients (91.30%).

Endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty is a safe and effective surgical method for treating chronic otitis media, with high rates of both functional and clinical success, significant improvements in hearing outcomes, and minimal postoperative complications.