Inner ear function following underlay myringoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Inner ear function can be modified by middle ear surgery. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe bone threshold conduction changes after myringoplasty. DESIGN: Prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Determination of preoperative and 6- to 12-month postoperative bone conduction thresholds for patients consecutively treated by primary underlay myringoplasty. RESULTS: The mean bone conduction threshold improvement was 1 +/- 6 dB (p = 0.006). There were significant differences in bone conduction threshold changes by surgical approach and for patients with tympanosclerosis. There were no 'dead ears' following intervention, and only a 1% risk of impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomically successful myringoplasty can partially improve bone conduction with minimal risk of impairment