Evaluation of cochlear implantation effects on middle ear pressure

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of cochlear implantation on middle ear aeration, tympanometric values, and otitis media with effusion OME occurrence. Patients and Methods: This prospective study conducted between February 2010 and May 2013 included 100 ears of 100 patients 57 males, 43 females; mean age 6.4±2.8 years; range, 1 to 18 years who underwent cochlear implantation and had no prior history of ear surgery. Patients who had middle and/or external ear anomalies were excluded. During the preoperative evaluation, otoscopic, rhinoscopic and nasopharynx examinations, along with tympanometric investigations were performed. Postoperative tympanometric evaluations over 12-36 months’ follow-up were performed and the values were compared, respectively. Results: In the postoperative otoscopic examinations, tympanic membrane retraction was observed in 14 ears. The mean values of compliance and gradient were significantly lower in the postoperative evaluations. The peak pressure and external ear canal volume measurements were not significantly different after cochlear implantation surgery. The mean preoperative value of peak pressure of the male patients was significantly lower than that in the female patients. The mean preoperative value of external ear canal volume was lower in patients with adenoid hypertrophy. These differences were statistically significant p