THE EFFECT OF THE RECONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TO THE HEARING LEVELS IN OSSICULOPLASTY: LONG TERM RESULTS

Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the auditory results and acquisitions of the patients, who had pre-operative conductive hearing loss and underwent ossiculoplasty, according to the used materials. Methods: Thirty-five patients’ files that underwent ossiculoplasty during tympanoplasty or tympanomastoidectomy between the years of 2008 and 2014 were investigated retrospectively. Demographic datas, pre-operative threshold of hearing, the material used in ossicular replacement, operation notes and post-operative audiometric investigations (at least 1 year later) were scanned. Twenty-eight of 35 patients, in whom incus and hydroxyapatite prosthesis are used for ossicular replacement, were included in the study. Results: The ages of the patients were between 11 and 60. Shaped incus was used in 17 patients (group 1) and hydroxyapatite prosthesis was used in 11 patients (group 2). Post-operative graft membranes were intact in all the patients. Post-operative air bone gap (ABG) increased in 4 patients, ABG decreased or got closed in 24 patients. There was no statistically significant difference of hearing acquisition between the groups. Conlusion: Incus can be preferred in ossicular replacement as it is cheap and easy to access. Hydroxyapatite prosthesis can also be used safely in the patients, who don't have autologous grafts.