What is the common treatment for chronic otitis media to restore hearing?

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and/or the small bones of the middle ear, which can be damaged due to chronic otitis media. This condition often leads to ongoing problems with hearing loss, due to either the accumulation of fluid or recurrent infections resulting in structural damage.

The goal of tympanoplasty is to restore the normal anatomy and function of the ear, which can effectively improve or restore hearing. By repairing the eardrum, it reduces the risk of further infections and may allow for better sound transmission through the ear. This treatment is particularly important when chronic otitis media has resulted in a perforated eardrum or significant conductive hearing loss that does not resolve with non-surgical interventions.

In contrast, while audiometry is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing hearing levels, it does not treat the underlying condition. Antibiotics may be prescribed to manage infections associated with chronic otitis media, but they primarily address the infection rather than the structural issues causing hearing loss. Hearing aids can sometimes assist with hearing impairment but do not address the root causes of chronic otitis media or restore normal ear function. Therefore, tympanoplasty stands out as the appropriate treatment for restoring hearing in cases of chronic