| Tympanic Membrane, Middle Ear and Mastoid Disease Ossicular Chain Dislocation Treatment in any case is middle ear exploration and ossicular chain reconstruction. This surgery is essentially the same as a tympanoplasty (described above), however there is no hole in the tympanic membrane to fix. Sometimes, the surgery can be performed though the ear canal rather than having to make an incision behind the ear. The tympanic membrane is elevated and the ossicles inspected. Repair of the damaged ossicle is then performed. This may require removing the broken bone and replacing it with a prosthetic ossicle. Occasionally, a small cartilage graft is required. This can be taken from the tragus, the piece of cartilage in front of the ear canal. This is not usually noticeable. The success rate of ossicular chain repair varies depending on the problem with the ossicular chain. If the stapes is intact, the rate of good hearing recovery is about 75%. If the stapes is not intact, the rate of good hearing recovery is about 50%. Although the surgeon always repairs the problem, the healing process can impact hearing outcomes. Scar tissue formation can pull on the delicate ossicles and/or ossicular prosthesis, moving them from their optimal position. If the hearing result is less than optimal, surgery can often be repeated in an effort to improve the outcome. For inquiries or more information, please contact: John S. Oghalai , MD Clinic: 713-798-3200 Tympanic Membrane, Middle Ear and Mastoid Disease: Information Page Tympanic Membrane, Middle Ear and Mastoid Disease: Photo Gallery Cochlear Mechanics and Hearing Loss Laboratory Home Page | Department Home Page | BCM Public | BCM Intranet | Privacy Notices | Contact BCM | BCM Site Map | ©2001-2006 Baylor College of Medicine
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