Middle Ear Risk Index Scores as a Predictor for Hearing Threshold after Tympanoplasty in Patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Abstract

Introduction: One of the main purposes of tympanoplasty is to improve hearing. Middle Ear Risk Index (MERI) Scores can be use to predict the average success in the procedure of the middle ear reconstruction. Aim: To assess the change in hearing threshold after tympanoplasty, based on the assessment of MERI Scores. Materials and Methods: An observational assessment was done on 21 patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) who underwent tympanoplasty. Pure tone audiometry was done before and 12 weeks after tympanoplasty an MERI Scores were assessed before and during the operation. Change in hearing after tympanoplasty statistically was analyzed by using Willcoxon test. Correlation between hearing threshold and MERI Scores was analyzed by using Spearman’s Coefficient Correlation. Results: Hearing threshold after tympanoplasty was much better in the subjects with no otorrhea, subtotal perforation type, no cholesteatoma and granulation, complete ossicular chain, who had never been operated and did not smoke. There was a significant negative correlation between MERI Scores as the predictor of hearing threshold which indicated that the lower the MERI Scores were, the better the improvement of hearing threshold after tympanoplasty (p=0.039; r=-0.453). Conclusion: MERI Scores could be used as a measuring instrument to assess the prognosis of hearing threshold after tympanoplasty.

Keywords

• auditory threshold
• middle ear reconstruction
• prognosis
• pure tone audiometry