Effect of Removal of the Silicone Membrane on the Auditory Gain inTympanoplasties

Overview

The authors evaluated improved hearing after removal of the siliconemembrane (SM)used for reconstruction of the tympanic cavity. The authors use removable SM led from the middleear by a thin handle into the auditory meatus. The membrane is removed by simple traction afterhealing, i.e. after 3 - 6 weeks. The majority of otosurgenons leaves the SM permanently in the middleear. The authors created a control group of 58 ears where the SM was used during surgical revisionand left for 4 - 6 months which simulated permanent leaving of the SM.In the control group the threshold of air conduction before and after removal of theSMwas assessedand the differences were statistically evaluated. In the paired t-test there was significant improvementat all frequencies, in the non-paired t-test only at the frequency of 500 Hz.

Key words:
silicone membrane, removal, auditory gains.