High-Frequency Electrostimulation Hearing after Mastoidectomy

Abstract

This study was undertaken to measure the degree of high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss following mastoid surgery. Twenty-five patients undergoing mastoidectomy procedures were tested preoperatively, less than 2 days postoperatively, and at 30 days postoperatively using the Tonndorf Audimax 500 high-frequency audiometer. Electrostimulation thresholds in 1-kHz intervals, from 1 to 20 kHz, were measured, and the highest detectable frequency was determined to within 0.1 kHz. Surgical drilling time was recorded. Average drilling time was 51 minutes. A significant temporary threshold shift was observed, measurable at multiple frequencies, less than 48 hours after mastoidectomy. There was no clinically significant change in electrostimulation thresholds (measured in 1-kHz increments, from 1 to 16 kHz) preoperatively to 30 days postoperatively. A statistically significant average loss of 0.89 kHz in the highest frequency producing a measurable response was noted ( p < 0.05). Determinations of the highest measurable frequency may be the most sensitive measure of surgically-induced, high-frequency sensorineural hearing changes.