Cartilage tympanoplasty: postoperative functional results.

We evaluated auditory performance following cartilage tympanoplasty for the management of tympanic membrane retraction pockets. We performed a 230-patient retrospective study over a 10-year period (1990-2000) and compared pre-operative and postoperative audiograms. Postoperative audiograms were better in 49% of cases, identical in 16% and worse in 11%. Cartilage tympanoplasty for the management of tympanic membrane retraction pockets has a good postoperative functional outcome. Cartilage graft is useful for reconstruction of the eardrum and tympanic bone defects.