The Effect of Tympanoplasty on Tinnitus in Patients With Chronic Otitis Media

Abstract

Background: Tinnitus is defined as sensation of sound without any external sources, caused by defects in peripheral auditory system. Associated with hearing loss, tinnitus is produced due to changes in central nervous system in response to peripheral pathology. Objectives: Therefore, tinnitus can be totally or partially eliminated if the peripheral lesion and the consequent hearing loss are recovered by tympanoplasty. Patients and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 28 patients with chronic otitis media and tinnitus who opted for tympanoplasty. Pure tone audiometry, pitch match test, and loudness balance test were performed for the patients before and three months after the operation. Results: Postoperation tests demonstrated tinnitus elimination in 22 cases (78.5%) along with partial improvement in tinnitus intensity in five cases (17.8%). The difference between preoperative and postoperative tests was statistically significant (P = 0.023). Graft success rate was 96.4% and hearing improvement was seen in 85.7%. Conclusions: This study offered tympanoplasty as an effective procedure to control tinnitus in patients with chronic otitis media and revealed its positive effects on hearing improvement.