Surgery on the only hearing ear.

Abstract

Modern otosurgical tools and techniques have greatly improved the outlook for hearing improvement in otologic surgery, while decreasing the risk of severe and irreversible hearing loss complicating the surgical procedure. Nevertheless, even a minimal risk operation must be weighed differently in an only hearing ear situation. This paper reviews the author's experience and philosophy regarding only hearing ear surgery for chronic otitis media, endolymphatic hydrops, perilymph fistulas and acoustic neuromas.