Relation of Preoperative Audiometric Data with Middle Ear Risks in Chronic Otitis Media

Background: To investigate the relationship of preoperative audiometric data with middle ear risk index (MERI) and its subcategories relate to ossicular head fixation (OHF) and stapes foot plate fixation (SFPF) for determining the outcome risks before tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media (COM).

Methods: Preoperative air conduction thresholds (ACTs) and bone conduction thresholds (BCTs) in 185 COM patients who underwent surgery were compared to their risk index for tympanoplasty outcomes (MERI) and its components comprising OHF and SFPF. Preoperative BCTs were analyzed for their effect in predicting the presence of OHF and SFPF intraoperatively.

Results: Preoperative ACTs and BCTs from 500 to 4000 Hz were all significantly correlated with MERI scores. Worse preoperative ACTs at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz were significantly related to OHF.Worse preoperative BCTs at 1000 and 2000 Hz were significantly linked to OHF. From 500 to 4000 Hz, preoperative ACTs were significantly worse, while and BCTs were significantly worse, in ears with, compared to without, SFPF. Combined preoperative BCT cut-off values of ≥20 dB at 1000 Hz and ≥25 dB at 2000 Hz were better predictors than that of 500 Hz and 4000 Hz at 20 dB, and it had a 13.5-fold greater association with SFPF.

Conclusion: Preoperative ACTs and BCTs at 500-4000 Hz are related to MERI and its risk factors OHF and SFPF. The best predictors of SFPF in COM were in the combination of the BCT ≥20 dB at 1000 Hz and ≥25 dB at 2000 Hz.

Cite this article as: Verim A, Şeneldir L, İhvan ., Tepe Karaca ., Ertugay ... Relation of preoperative audiometric data with middle ear risks in chronic otitis media. B-ENT. 2024;20(4):245-251.