Abstract
Objective: Although many studies report short-term hearing results after surgically managing semicircular canal fistulae, long-term results are still unknown. In the present study, long-term postoperative hearing outcomes were reviewed in 14 ears of patients with cholesteatoma and semicircular canal fistulae.
Method: Between 1996 and 2010, 84 patients with cholesteatoma and semicircular canal fistulae underwent tympanoplasty at Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital. The location of the fistula was the lateral semicircular canal in all cases and superior semicircular canal in 5 cases. Fourteen patients were followed up for more than 5 years.
Results: Postoperative air-bone gap was ≤10 dB in 1 case, between 11 and 20 dB in 7 cases, between 21 and 30 dB in 4 cases, and ≥31 dB in 2 cases. Mean bone-conduction hearing levels on the operated side had deteriorated by 3 dB in 1 kHz, by −1 dB in 2 kHz, and −2 dB in 4 kHz at 1 year postoperatively and by 8 dB, 6 dB, and 2 dB at 5 years postoperatively, respectively. Bone-conduction hearing levels in 1 and 2 kHz were significantly deteriorated at 5 years postoperatively, compared with baseline and 1-year (P < .05).
Conclusion: Even if the semicircular canal fistula is surgically managed, bone-conduction hearing level gradually deteriorates in the 1- and 2- kHz ranges over the long time.
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