Comparative analysis of tympanoplasty outcomes in dry versus wet ear conditions

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the results of tympanoplasty in wet and dry ear conditions, with an emphasis on the rates of graft uptake success, postoperative hearing improvement, and complications. Methods: From September 2023 to September 2024, Shyam Shah Medical College and the affiliated Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital carried out a prospective, observational cohort research. Endoscopic assisted Type I tympanoplasty was performed on 100 patients (50 wet ear and 50 dry ear) with CSOM (tubotympanic type). Clinical assessments and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were used to evaluate patients both before and after surgery at three and six months. Results: At six months, graft absorption rates were 92% in wet ears and 94% in dry ears. With an Air-Bone Gap (ABG) closure of 12.7 dB in wet ears and 14.5 dB in dry ears, both groups demonstrated a notable improvement in hearing. The change in hearing gain was not statistically significant (p = 0.461). Wet ears initially had a slightly greater rate of complications, but with appropriate care, these decreased over time. Conclusion: In terms of graft success, hearing enhancement, and complications, tympanoplasty in wet ears produces results that are similar to those in dry ears. This study backs the inclusion of wet ear problems in the surgical eligibility criteria without sacrificing results.