Hearing After Surgery in Chronically Discharging Ears:I. Atticoantrotomy

Abstract

Data are reported on a series of 190 ears in which conservative mastoid surgery was done at the Turku Clinic in the period 1954 to 1958 inclusive. Pre- and postoperative hearing tests were made with calibrated audiometers. In 99 cases a simple atticoantrotomy was made, and in 91 cases a columella effect was aimed at by removing the incus and the head of the malleus. The practically useful level of 30 db or better was obtained in 72 per cent of the cases treated with simple atticoantrotomy and in 40 per cent with the columella effect. It is emphasized that the percentages in any series are affected by the preoperative hearing level, and also to some extent by the location and size of the perforation. The suggestion is made that the audiometer zero reference levels be reported in all series to facilitate comparison between the results obtained in various centers.