Efficacy of myringotomy in hearing complaints in adults with chronic otitis media with effusion

Abstract

Objectives: To understand the role of myringotomy with the placement of a transtympanic ventilation tube in the hearing complaints of adults with otitis media with effusion. 

Study Design: Retrospective study. 

Material and Methods: Patients with chronic otitis media with effusion at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto between January 2011 and January 2018 over 18 years, with chronic otitis media with effusion using tympanometry and oto-microscopy that were submmited to myringotomy with placement of trans-tympanic ventilation tubes, follow-up in an external otorhinolaryngology consultation for a minimum period of 24 months were considered after surgery. 

Results: The sample consisted of 57 patients, with complaints of hypoacusis in 93.9% of cases, aural fullness in 37.2%, tinnitus in 39% The pre-procedure PTA (pure-tone average) was 44.97 ± 13.989dB with an average ABG (air-bone gap) of 20.60 ± 12.552dB. 

Conclusions: We can conclude that myringotomy with placement of transtympanic ventilation tubes is a valid option in the treatment of chonic OME with improvements demonstrated in the complaints initially presented by the patient and in the obtained audiometric values.