Chronic suppurative otitis media.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a leading global cause of potentially preventable hearing loss in children and adults, associated with socioeconomic deprivation. There is an absence of consensus on the definition of CSOM, which complicates efforts for prevention, treatment, and monitoring. CSOM occurs when perforation of the tympanic membrane is associated with severe or persistent inflammation in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss and recurrent or persistent ear discharge (otorrhoea). Cholesteatoma, caused by the inward growth of the squamous epithelium of the tympanic membrane into the middle ear, can also occur. The optimal treatment of discharge in CSOM is topical antibiotics. In resource-limited settings where topical antibiotics might not be available, topical antiseptics are an alternative. For persistent disease, surgery to repair the tympanic membrane or remove cholesteatoma might offer long-term resolution of otorrhoea and potential improvement to hearing. Recent developments in self-fitted air-conduction and bone-conduction hearing aids offer promise as new options for rehabilitation.

Surgical management of secondary acquired cholesteatoma depends on its characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesteatoma secondary to tympanic perforation, known as "secondary acquired cholesteatoma" may progress slower than a retraction pocket cholesteatoma, with less bone destruction and fewer intracranial complications. However, complete surgical removal remains difficult because the pathological epithelium on the marginal side of the extension is not covered by the subepithelial layer of the cholesteatoma matrix, making the boundary with the middle ear mucosa difficult to identify. Therefore, considering the pathophysiology of secondary acquired cholesteatoma, suitable preoperative evaluation and surgical techniques are required. In this study, we aimed to evaluate (i) the extension of secondary acquired cholesteatoma according to the size and location of tympanic membrane perforation; and (ii) the microscopic surgical outcomes, including the rate of residual cholesteatoma, requirement for specialized surgical management, and changes in hearing. METHODS: This retrospective study included data of cases with secondary acquired cholesteatoma (n = 66; 66 ears of 64 patients, 2 patients had bilateral ear involvement), including those who underwent a staged operation (n = 25). RESULTS: The perforation level of the tympanic membrane was associated with the cholesteatoma extension. When the cholesteatoma extended around the stapes, staged operation was chosen. Six cases of spontaneous resolution of stapes lesions at the time of staged surgery were observed. A significant postoperative improvement in hearing was observed; however, five cases experienced sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Surgery, including staged surgery of the stapes lesions, along with careful observation of the perforation, is required in secondary acquired cholesteatoma. For lesions that are visible yet challenging to remove, it is imperative to exercise prudent judgment, taking into account the possibility of spontaneous resolution.

A systematic review of otologic injuries sustained in civilian terrorist explosions.

PURPOSE: Determine the prevalence of otological symptoms and tympanic membrane perforation, healing rates of tympanic membrane perforation with surgical and conservative management, and hearing function in civilian victims of terrorist explosions. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted with searches on Medline, Embase, EMCare and CINAHL for publications between the 1st January 1945 and 26th May 2023. Studies with quantitative data addressing our aims were included. This review is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42020166768. Among 2611 studies screened, 18 studies comprising prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. RESULTS: The percentage of eardrums perforated in patients admitted to hospital, under ENT follow up and attending the emergency department is 69.0% (CI 55.5-80.5%), 38.7% (CI 19.0-63.0%, I2 0.715%) and 21.0% (CI 11.9-34.3%, I2 0.718%) respectively. Perforated eardrums heal spontaneously in 62.9% (CI 50.4-73.8%, I2 0.687%) of cases and in 88.8% (CI 75.9-96.3%, I2 0.500%) of cases after surgery. Common symptoms present within one month of bombings are tinnitus 84.7% (CI 70.0-92.9%, I2 0.506%), hearing loss 83.0% (CI 64.5-92.9%, I2 0.505%) and ear fullness 59.7% (CI 13.4-93.4%, I2 0.719). Symptomatic status between one and six months commonly include no symptoms 57.5% (CI 46.0-68.3%), hearing loss 35.4% (CI 21.8-51.8%, I2 0.673%) and tinnitus 15.6% (CI 4.9-40.0%, I2 0.500%). Within one month of bombings, the most common hearing abnormality is sensorineural hearing loss affecting 26.9% (CI 16.9-40.1%, I2 0.689%) of ears 43.5% (CI 33.4-54.2%, I2 0.500) of people. CONCLUSION: Tympanic membrane perforation, subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness and sensorineural hearing loss are common sequelae of civilian terrorist explosions.

Outcomes of perichondrium graft covering the epithelium of the tympanic membrane for large-sized perforations: A 3-5-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft outcomes and iatrogenic cholesteatomas for 3 years following cartilage-perichondrium over-underlay technique with perichondrial graft covering the epithelium for large-sized tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case series enrolled patients with large-sized perforation who underwent endoscopic cartilage-perichondrium over-underlay technique. The graft success rate, hearing outcomes, and development of iatrogenic middle ear cholesteatomas and graft cholesteatomas were assessed at 3 years postoperatively. RESULTS: This study included 62 ears of 62 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 47.3 ± 10.8 (38-64) months. Neovascularization was observed in the lateral perichondrium graft in 55 (88.7 %) patients, which inosculated into the TM remnant at 4-5 weeks. However, graft neovascularization was not observed in the four patients with excessive perichondrium graft that migrated into the external auditory canal and the three patients with middle ear infections. The graft failure rate was 6.5 % at 6 months, 11.3 % at 12 months, 6.5 % at 24 months, and the overall graft success rate was 91.8 % at the last follow-up. Granular myringitis developed in 11.3 % (7/62) of the patients. High-resolution computed tomography revealed well-pneumatized mastoids and middle ear at the final follow-up. However, graft cholesteatomas were observed in 3 (4.8 %) patients at 7-24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The cartilage-perichondrium over-underlay technique with perichondrial graft covering TM epithelium is safe and effective for the repair of large perforations, with good short- and long-term graft outcomes, minimal risk of graft cholesteatoma development, and no risk of iatrogenic middle ear cholesteatomas.

Comparison of two endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage graft underlay myringoplasty for large perforations: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the graft outcomes and complications of two endoscopic perichondrium-cartilage graft techniques for repairing large perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Single center blinded randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 61 large perforations more than 50% of TM area were prospectively randomized to undergo the free perichondrium and free cartilage graft group (FPFC, n = 31) or perichondrium partial attachment the cartilage graft group (PPAC, n = 30). The primary outcome measures were the operation time; secondary outcome measures were the graft success rate and hearing gain at 12 months postoperatively and postoperative complications. RESULTS: All patients completed follow-up of 12 months. The mean operation time was 38.2 ± 2.3 min in the FPFC group and 37.4 ± 5.6 min in the PPAC group (P = 0.658). At postoperative 3 months, the graft success rates were 96.7% in the FPFC group and 93.3% in the PPAC group (P = 0.976). At postoperative 12 months, the graft success rates were 96.7% in the FPFC group and 83.3% in the PPAC group (P = 0.182). However, the residual and re-perforation rate with no infection was 0.0% (0/31) in the FPFC group and 16.7% (5/30) in the PPAC group (P = 0.056). No significant between-group differences were observed pre- (P = 0.842) or post- (P = 0.759) operative air bone gap (ABG) values or mean ABG gain (P = 0.886). However, granular myringitis has been noted in 6.5% in the FPFC group and in 3.3% in the PPAC group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that 12-month graft success and hearing gain were comparable between the perichondrium free and partial attachment the cartilage graft techniques, nevertheless, partial attachment technique could increase residual and re-perforations.

Comparison of perichondrium-cartilage double and single underlay myringoplasty for subtotal perforations: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare graft outcome, operation time and surgical complications of the double and single perichondrium-cartilage underlay techniques for repairing subtotal tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral subtotal perforations undergoing myringoplasty were prospectively randomized to undergo DPCN or SPCN. The operation time, graft success rate, audiometric outcomes, and complications were compared between these groups. RESULTS: In total, 53 patients with unilateral subtotal perforations were included (DPCN group, 27; SPCN group, 26).All patients completed 6 months of follow-up. The mean operation time was 41.2 ± 1.8 min in the DPCN group and 37.2 ± 5.4 min in the SPCN group, the difference was not significant (p = 0.613).The graft success rates were 96.3% (26/27) in the DPCN group and 73.1% (19/26) in the SPCN group, the difference was significant (p = 0.048). During the period of follow-up, residual perforation was found at postoperative in one (3.7%) in the DPCN group, while cartilage graft slipped (graft lateralization) in 2 (7.7%) and residual perforation in 5 (19.2%) were found in the SPCN group, the difference of residual perforation was not significant among two group (p = 0.177).In addition, no significant between-group differences were observed pre- (p = 0.741) or post- (p = 0.687) operative ABG values or mean ABG gain (p = 0.659) (Table 2).The functional success rates (postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB) were 85.2% (23/27) in the DPCN group and 73.1% (19/26) in the SPCN group (p = 0.454). CONCLUSION: Although similar functional result and operation time can be obtained with double perichondrium-cartilage underlay technique compared to the single perichondrium-cartilage underlay technique for endoscopic closure of subtotal perforations, double unerlay technique offers better anatomical result with minimum complications.

Inhibition of TGF-ß signaling enables long-term proliferation of mouse primary epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the tympanic membrane and the middle ear mucosa.

The surface of the middle ear is composed of the tympanic membrane (TM) and the middle ear mucosa (MEM). A number of diseases and conditions such as otitis media, middle ear cholesteatoma, and perforation of the TM have been reported to cause dysfunction of the middle ear, ultimately leading to high-frequency hearing loss. Despite its importance in repairing the damaged tissues, the stem/progenitor cells of the TM and the MEM epithelia remains largely uncharacterized due, in part, to the lack of an optimal methodology to expand and maintain stem/progenitor cells long-term. Here, we show that suppression of TGF-ß signaling in a low Ca2+ condition enables long-term proliferation of p63-positive epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the TM and the MEM while avoiding their malignant transformation. Indeed, our data show that the expanded TM and MEM stem/progenitor cells respond to Ca2+ stimulation and differentiate into the mature epithelial cell lineages marked by cytokeratin (CK) 1/8/18 or Bpifa1, respectively. These results will allow us to expand epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the TM and MEM in quantity for large-scale analyses and will enhance the use of mouse models in developing stem cell-mediated therapeutic strategies for the treatment of middle ear diseases and conditions.

Factors influencing successful reconstruction of tympanic membrane perforations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, our study aimed to provide information about the factors that influence the success of tympanic membrane reconstruction. METHODS: Our systematic search was conducted on November 24, 2021, using the CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. Observational studies with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up on type I tympanoplasty or myringoplasty were included, while non-English articles, patients with cholesteatoma or specific inflammatory diseases, and ossiculoplasty cases were excluded. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021289240) and PRISMA reporting guideline was used. Risk of bias was evaluated with the QUIPS tool. A random effect model was used in the analyses. Primary outcome was the rate of closed tympanic cavities. RESULTS: After duplicate removal, 9454 articles were found, of which 39 cohort studies were included. Results of four analyses showed significant effects: age (OR: 0.62, CI 0.50; 0.78, p value: 0.0002), size of the perforation (OR: 0.52, CI 0.29; 0.94, p value: 0.033), opposite ear condition (OR: 0.32, CI 0.12; 0.85, p value: 0.028), and the surgeon's experience (OR: 0.42, CI 0.26; 0.67, p value: 0.005), while prior adenoid surgery, smoking, the site of the perforation, and discharge of the ear did not. Four factors: etiology, Eustachian tube function, concomitant allergic rhinitis, and duration of the ear discharge were analyzed qualitatively. CONCLUSIONS: The age of the patient, the size of the perforation, the opposite ear status, and the surgeon's experience have a significant effect on the success of tympanic membrane reconstruction. Further comprehensive studies are needed to analyze the interactions between the factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma after traumatic tympanic membrane perforation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma presents as an asymptomatic, white, round mass on the tympanic membrane, and is usually detected incidentally in children. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old Korean boy visited our otorhinolaryngology clinic for a whitish mass on the right tympanic membrane. He had a history of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation in the right ear that had occurred 1 year prior, which had healed well with a paper patch placement. The mass was completely removed under local anesthesia during surgery with a microscope. The mass was on the outer epithelial layer of the right tympanic membrane and did not invade the middle fibrous and inner mucosal layers. Cholesteatoma was diagnosed on the basis of histopathology. CONCLUSION: Intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma may not induce symptoms or invade the middle ear because it can grow outwards into the external auditory canal. However, intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma can grow over time, and then after growth, it can compress the tympanic membrane and advance into the middle ear, which can cause symptoms such as hearing loss. Intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma in children should be carefully evaluated and followed, and surgical removal should be considered, even for asymptomatic cases, to minimize potential damage and hearing loss.

Trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty; a comparative analysis of endoscopic and microscopic approaches.

BACKGROUND: The advent of Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) has allowed otologists an improved view of the surgical field compared with conventional Microscopic Ear Surgery (MES). EES presents different challenges for surgeons and a learning curve is necessary. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of EES and MES for trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty, an entry level EES. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent push through trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty in our institution over 5 years (2016-2020). Exclusion criteria were: patients with prior ear surgery, non-tragal cartilage tympanic membrane graft, additional procedure at time of surgery and patients with insufficient follow up. EES and MES groups were compared using outcomes such as graft success rate, changes in pure tone audiometry (PTA), operative time and complications. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria (MES = 38, EES = 36). Mean age of included patients was 29.3 years with no significant demographic differences between groups. Graft success rate at 12 months was higher among the EES group versus MES (94.4% v 86.8%, p = 0.43). Mean operative time was reduced in the EES group (47.3 min v 53.8 min, p = 0.04). Hearing outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. No major operative complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes were marginally better in the cohort who underwent EES. This supports that EES offers an otologic choice to complement established practice for trans-canal myringoplasty and may be used to facilitate introduction to EES for trainees and otologists wishing to learn this technique.

Incidence and Epidemiology of Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Rupture: A National Trauma Data Bank Analysis.

The incidence of traumatic tympanic membrane rupture (TTMR) has increased over recent decades. The association of certain external injury causes and bone fracture patterns with TTMR is anecdotal. It has been suggested that a diagnosis of TTMR may be missed during the acute trauma admission. The authors sought to evaluate the incidence of TTMR according to external injury cause and evaluate the association of skull fracture patterns with TTMR using a national trauma database. A cross-sectional analysis of trauma encounters was conducted using the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2008 to 2015. Demographic and injury data were abstracted. Poisson regression was used to determine the incidence rate ratios of tympanic membrane rupture by external injury cause and logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of TTMR by skull fracture type. A total of 8214 patients were identified with TTMR during acute admission. The majority were on average 30 years old, 76% male, 71% White, had a mean Injury Severity Score of 14, and 42% were admitted to level I centers. The incidence rate ratio was only higher in lightning related injuries [5.262; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.194-6.602] when using those caused by explosives as a reference. Basilar skull (OR: 12.95; 95% CI: 12.095-12.866) and cranial vault (OR: 2.938; 95% CI: 2.647-3.260) fractures were most associated with TTMR. The high incidence TTMR in association with certain external causes of injury and types of skull fractures should drive screening in the acute setting in order to increase detection and reduce morbidity from missed injuries.

The impact of adding platelet-rich plasma during fat graft myringoplasty for managing medium-sized tympanic membrane perforations: A prospective randomized case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during FGM to close medium-sized TM perforations. METHODS: This prospective randomized case-control study was conducted from February 2017 to March 2022. We included 320 patients with a medium-sized TM perforation with inactive mucosal otitis media. Transcanal FGM managed all patients under general or local anesthesia according to the patient preference. According to PRP, patients were divided into two groups: the first with PRP (170 patients) and the other without PRP (150 patients). We evaluated the closure rate of both groups one month, six months, and one year after the surgery. Also, we assessed the audiological performance before and one year after the operation for the patients with a successful closure. RESULTS: The closure rate was 87.6 % in the first group and 72.7 % in the second group, with a statistically significant difference between both groups as the P-value, was 0.001. Successful closure of the ABG to <10 dB occurred in 95.3 % of group A and 90.8 % of group B without a statistically significant difference between both groups (P-value = 0.163). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective comparative study on a relatively large number of patients revealed that FGM effectively closed medium-sized TM perforations. It also significantly improved postoperative audiological performance in both groups. Adding PRP during the FGM enhanced the closure success and the healing process without recorded complications. We recommend using the PRP in the routine FGM for closing medium-sized TM perforations.

General anaesthetic vs local anaesthetic myringoplasties: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To assess all available data and determine the success rates and tolerability of local anaesthetic myringoplasty in comparison with those undertaken under general anaesthetic myringoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed following a PRISMA-P protocol and registered with the PROSPERO database. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library (CDSR/Central), EMBASE and CINHAL-were directly searched for studies, which met the inclusion criteria. OBJECTIVES: Primary objective was to compare perforation closure rates between patients undergoing myringoplasty under local anaesthetic and those under general anaesthetic from all available published data. Secondary outcomes include complications, such as 'any minor complications', infection rates in the first 6 month post-op, facial nerve weakness, dysgeusia and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: 27 studies were included in the final analysis and found that myringoplasty had an overall perforation closure rate of 89%. The pooled proportion of closures after myringoplasty under local anesthesia was 87% and for myringoplasties under general anesthesia was 91%. Analysis of myringoplasty under local anaesthesia focusing on 'in-office' performed procedures only, found a closure rate of 88%. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in the success rate of myringoplasty surgery when performed under local or general anaesthetic as measured by perforation closure rates. However, there are other factors, which can drive choosing local anaesthetic surgery, such as minimising anaesthetic risks, reducing costs and reducing environmental impact.

How long do tympanostomy ventilation tubes last in pediatric patients with otitis media with effusion or adhesion? A study using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional duration and survival rate of tympanostomy ventilation tubes and the complications associated with their use in pediatric patients who underwent tube insertion for otitis media with effusion (OME). Complications were analyzed including recurrence and tympanic membrane perforation after the tube removal or extrusion. METHODS: Altogether, 447 ears from 234 pediatric patients younger than 15 years of age were studied retrospectively. All patients had undergone long-term tympanostomy ventilation tube: the Goode T-tube insertion for OME at the Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, which is the pediatrics specialty hospital between April 2014 and March 2016. They were typically followed up every 3-4 months or more frequently if necessary due to otorrhea or tube infection. Subsequently, the tube duration, survival rates of the tube especially at 22 months after insertion defined as "full-term placement", and the rates of recurrence and perforation were calculated and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Of 447 ears, 335 ears from 184 patients underwent their first tube insertion, and 112 ears from 64 patients underwent their second or subsequent tube insertion within the targeted period. Two hundred ears from 106 patients were associated with a cleft palate. The survival rate at full-term placement was 51.7%. The recurrence rate was 56.3%, and the rate of the tympanic perforation was 8.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the tubes survived for 22 months. The perforation rate was relatively low; however, recurrence of OME was seen in more than half the ears.

Transtympanic soft tissue tympanoplasty can replace conventional techniques elevating tympanic membranes.

PURPOSE: Most traditional tympanoplasties require elevating the tympanic membrane (TM). These techniques are rather complicated and success rates are not perfect. Therefore, the authors developed a novel technique, transtympanic soft tissue (TST) tympanoplasty, which does not require raising eardrums, and evaluated its surgical efficiency compared to perichondrium underlay (PU) tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted in a single center. METHODS: 152 cases who underwent TST tympanoplasty (n = 70) or PU tympanoplasty (n = 82) between 2011 and 2020 were included in the study. Perforation location, pure tone audiometry, complications, and closure rates were analyzed according to the size of the TM perforations: moderate perforation (25-40%, n = 100) and large perforation (≥ 40%, n = 52). RESULTS: For the moderate perforations, the closure rates of the TST (n = 45) and PU (n = 55) groups were 93.3% and 89.1%, respectively (p = 0.461), and even for the large perforations, the success rates were 88.0% in the TST group (n = 25) and 81.5% in the PU group (n = 27) (p = 0.515). The mean postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) values of the TST group for moderate and large perforations were 5.3 ± 5.8 dB and 6.6 ± 5.7 dB, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative ABG between the two surgical procedures (p > 0.05). The total operation time for TST tympanoplasty was significantly shorter than that for PU tympanoplasty (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: TST tympanoplasty is considered a novel, simple technique to replace traditional tympanoplasty techniques involving raising eardrums, even for large-sized perforations.

Modified inlay butterfly cartilage myringoplasty: An outpatient minimally invasive procedure for closure of central perforation-graft success rate and hearing outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this was to evaluate anatomical and hearing results of modified inlay butterfly perichondrium-cartilage myringoplasty for repairing central perforation in an office setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study in 81 patients with chronic central perforations who underwent modified inlay butterfly perichondrium-cartilage myringoplasty in an office setting. The graft success rate, hearing outcome, and complications were evaluated at postoperative 3, 6 and 24 months. RESULTS: 81 patients with 81chronic perforations were included in this study. The graft success rate was 100.0% (81/81) at postoperative 3 months. At postoperative 24 months, 16 patients lost follow-up, the graft success rate was 98.5% (64/65). The mean preoperative ABG was 23.0 ± 2.6 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG postoperatively 12 months was 11.4 ± 3.1 dB; the difference between these values was significant (P < .05). No graft-related complications (e.g., graft lateralization, graft medialization, graft keratin pearl, middle ear cholesteatoma) were encountered during the follow-up period. In addition, excess perichondrium lateral to the superficial layer of TM remnant became necrotic and crust at postoperative 2-3 months. However, graft keratin pearl and intra-tympanic cholesteatoma/epithelial inclusion cyst weren't found in any patients at postoperative 24 months. Granular myringitis with minimal moistness but without infection has been noted in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Modified inlay butterfly perichondrium-cartilage myringoplasty is a viable and less invasive option for closure of central perforations in an office setting because this technique does not require tympanomeatal flap elevation and general anesthesia.

Janus membranes with asymmetric cellular adhesion behaviors for regenerating eardrum perforation.

The tympanic membrane plays an important role in the human hearing system, which is easily perforated under unfavorable conditions, leading to loss of hearing and otitis media. Many autologous materials and artificial materials have been used to repair a perforated tympanic membrane, but these materials sometimes can cause severe hearing loss because of their adhesion to the ossicle during the healing process and the postoperative process. Herein, we report Janus membranes with asymmetric cellular adhesion behaviors for regenerating the eardrum. These Janus membranes are constructed by co-depositing a tannic acid (TA)/3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) coating on one surface of the polypropylene microfiltration membrane. Cellular experiments indicate that the Janus membranes have good biocompatibility and asymmetric cellular adhesion properties. The repair of the tympanic membrane perforation experiment and laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measurements prove that the hydrophilic surface of Janus membranes repairs perforated eardrums, and meanwhile the hydrophobic surface can avoid adhering to the inner ear tissue for reducing hearing loss. The Janus membranes have good prospects in the treatment of tympanic membrane perforation.

The effectiveness of repairment of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations with cigarette paper.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repairment of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation (TTMP) with cigarette paper patch (CPP) on perforation closure and hearing functions. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of 67 ears of 61 patients diagnosed with TTMP and treated with CPP in our clinic between January 2015 and 2019. In the classification of TTMP size, the entire tympanic membrane was evaluated as 100%, perforation of <25% was considered small, perforation of between 25% and 50% was considered medium and perforation of ≥50% was considered large. Audiological examination was performed before and at 3 months after the CPP procedure. Air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) pure tone averages (PTAs) and air-bone gap (ABG) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 khz frequencies were compared. RESULTS: Perforations were small in 20 (29.9%) of 67 ears, medium in 27 (40.2%), and large in 20 ears (29.9%). AC PTA before CPP was found to be 28.26±5.63 dB hearing level (HL), BC PTA was 8.80±4.35 dB HL and ABG was 19.26±5.80 dB HL. After CPP, the AC PTA was found to be 11.90±6.59 dB HL, BC PTA was 8.29±4.05 dB HL, and ABG was 14.10±4.66 dB HL. TTMP was determined to have improved in 61 ears (91%) in the 1st month after CPP application. There was no statistically significant difference between perforation size and improvement rates (p>0.05). AC PTA values after CPP application were determined to be significantly lower than AC PTA values before CPP application at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 khz (p<0.001). The ABG values measured at 0.5 khz after CPP were significantly higher than the values measured at 2 khz. and 4 khz. (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). The amount of decrease in PTA value after CPP was found to be significantly greater at 0.5 khz than at 2 khz and 4 khz (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of TTMP, early application of CPP is an effective treatment method in terms of both perforation closure and hearing gain.

Endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft for repairing chronic subtotal and total perforations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was evaluate the short-and long-term graft outcome and complications of endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft for repairing chronic subtotal and total perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 135 patients with chronic subtotal and total perforations who underwent endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft technique. The graft success rate, hearing outcome, and complications were evaluated at postoperative 6 and 24 months. RESULTS: 124 patients were finally included in this study. The graft success rate was 96.3% in subtotal perforation and 97.7% in total perforation (P = 0.874), with an overall success rate of 96.8% at postoperative 6 months. The graft success rate was 95.8% (68/71) in subtotal perforation and 94.9% (37/39) in total perforation (P = 0.795), with an overall success rate of 95.5% (105/110) at postoperative 24 months. The mean ABG improved from 28.0 ± 5.3 dB preoperatively to 14.9 ± 4.8 dB postoperatively 12 months (P < 0.05) for subtotal perforations; from 33.4 ± 7.4 dB preoperatively to 16.1 ± 2.4 dB postoperatively 12 months (P < 0.05) for total perforations. No graft-related complications (e.g., graft lateralization, significant blunting, graft medialization) were encountered during the follow-up period. Of the 110 patients, temporal bone CT revealed well pneumatization of the middle ear and mastoid region. However, graft keratin pearl was noticed in 1.8% (2/110) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic modified perichondrium-cartilage sandwich graft for repairing subtotal and total perforations had excellent short and long-term graft success rate with less time-consuming and minimal complications.

The impact of tympanic membrane perforations on middle ear transfer function.

PURPOSE: Injury or inflammation of the middle ear often results in the persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforations, leading to conductive hearing loss (HL). However, in some cases the magnitude of HL exceeds that attributable by the TM perforation alone. The aim of the study is to better understand the effects of location and size of TM perforations on the sound transmission properties of the middle ear. METHODS: The middle ear transfer functions (METF) of six human temporal bones (TB) were compared before and after perforating the TM at different locations (anterior or posterior lower quadrant) and to different degrees (1 mm, » of the TM, ½ of the TM, and full ablation). The sound-induced velocity of the stapes footplate was measured using single-point laser-Doppler-vibrometry (LDV). The METF were correlated with a Finite Element (FE) model of the middle ear, in which similar alterations were simulated. RESULTS: The measured and calculated METF showed frequency and perforation size dependent losses at all perforation locations. Starting at low frequencies, the loss expanded to higher frequencies with increased perforation size. In direct comparison, posterior TM perforations affected the transmission properties to a larger degree than anterior perforations. The asymmetry of the TM causes the malleus-incus complex to rotate and results in larger deflections in the posterior TM quadrants than in the anterior TM quadrants. Simulations in the FE model with a sealed cavity show that small perforations lead to a decrease in TM rigidity and thus to an increase in oscillation amplitude of the TM mainly above 1 kHz. CONCLUSION: Size and location of TM perforations have a characteristic influence on the METF. The correlation of the experimental LDV measurements with an FE model contributes to a better understanding of the pathologic mechanisms of middle-ear diseases. If small perforations with significant HL are observed in daily clinical practice, additional middle ear pathologies should be considered. Further investigations on the loss of TM pretension due to perforations may be informative.