Hearing results in the second stage of open mastoidectomy: A comparison ofthe different techniques

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the hearing results obtain ed through different hearing-restoration techniques in open-cavity mastoide ctomy. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A total of 116 ears operated on during the second sta ge of open mastoidectomy were studied. The hearing gain was registered as t he difference between preoperative and I-year postoperative conversational frequency means (500, 1000, 2000 Hz). High-pitched frequencies (4000 Hz) we re used equally. Two groups of studies were carried out: in one study the s tapes was intact, and in the other the stapes arch was absent. The columell a techniques we examined, from a hearing point of view, are total and parti al ossicular replacement prostheses, ossiculoplasty, cartilage with or with out perichondrium, and the myringostapediopexy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the group of patients in whom the stapes was in tact, the differences in high-pitched frequencies found between the differe nt techniques were negligible, but the differences were quite significant i n conversational frequencies, where the partial ossicular replacement prost hesis turned out to be the technique with the worst results. In ears in whi ch only the footplate was present, the total ossicular replacement prosthes is gave better results than any other technique, both in conversational fre quencies and in 4000-Hz frequency.