Hearing sensitivity and measurements of middle ear and eustachian tube function after maxillary osteotomy with advancement surgery.

The nature of audiologic changes after maxillary osteotomy with advancement surgery has not been fully documented. The purpose of this investigation was to better understand the potential alteration of eustachian tube, middle ear pressure and static compliance, and hearing sensitivity in individuals undergoing this type of surgical procedure. Pure tone audiometry and evaluation of middle ear and eustachian tube function were done on seven patients preoperatively and at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th postoperative weeks. Results indicated that, although hearing sensitivity and middle ear and eustachian tube function change from the normal preoperative state during the early postoperative recovery period, they return to normal limits by the 12th postoperative week. These changes suggest the importance of carefully audiologic status in patients undergoing this type of procedure.