METHODS: Canalplasty or meatoplasty was performed under general anesthesia via the posterior auricular transcanal approach. The EAC diameter and length were measured and a non-fenestrated uncuffed TT of suitable size was fitted into the ear canal. The TT was then modified during fitting, to fit onto the concha. Patients were advised on the importance of compliance. The adequacy of the size of the EAC after the surgery was assessed during follow-ups.
RESULTS: A total of 3 patients (4 ears) were included in our study. Various sizes of TTs were fitted into their EAC following canalplasty or meatoplasty. All of them showed excellent postoperative outcome on follow up 2 years after the surgery, with no evidence of postoperative EAC stenosis.
CONCLUSION: Modified TT stent after canalplasty or meatoplasty is proposed as an excellent alternative in preventing restenosis of EAC in centers with limited resources.
Methods: There were 20 healthy participants with normal ears, and all gave an informed consent. After an otoscopy, a baseline pure tone audiogram (PTA) was conducted. If the PTA of the participant was normal, aqueous cream was applied with a syringe via an 18 G cannula, from the tympanic membrane up to the isthmus which corresponds to the bony ear canal. A second PTA was conducted, and subsequently the cream was removed via suction under microscope guidance. The procedure was then repeated with the cream applied from the isthmus to the aperture of the external ear canal using the same cannula followed by a PTA and removal of cream under microscope.
Results: The mean threshold difference of occlusion at both portions of the ear canal were compared and analyzed. The mean threshold difference of hearing loss upon occlusion at the cartilaginous EAC was 37.5 to 48 dB. The mean threshold difference of hearing loss upon occlusion at the bony EAC was less, with a range of 21 to 24.95dB. There was a statistical difference (p<0.05) in the hearing loss between the blockage of the cartilaginous canal versus the blockage of the bony canal with a maximum difference at 2kHz.
Conclusion: Cartilaginous block of the external ear canal causes more hearing loss than block of the bony ear canal. This correlates with the concept and properties of sound waves, resonance and impedance.