Should We Leave Patients with an Only Hearing Ear to Their Fate?

We have read with great interest the article by Yoo, et al. [1] which presents very important clinical observations. We would like to comment on this article based on our experiences and the literature review. Surgery for only hearing ear has been avoided since many years as is known. Many authors have not suggested tympanoplasty surgery in an only hearing ear [2]. However, today we have opportunity to add technological developments to the accumulated experience in ear surgery. In our day, quality of life is a very important concern. With better hearing, we can provide better quality of life to the patients. It is not good to leave the patient with tympanic membrane perforation even if it is dry or wet with some hearing loss in this hightech century. Since Cochlear implantation is a treatment option for patients with hearing loss, we should not avoid surgical interventions [3]. Surgery for only hearing ear with cholesteatoma will protect the ear from destructive effects of cholesteatoma and worse hearing level. Tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforation without cholesteatoma may provide better hearing or ensure to use hearing aids more effectively. Additionally, during tympanoplasty surgery, some ossicular chain defects, such as incus long process defect may be seen. These kind of problems may deteriorate hearing loss, however, can also be solved by bone cements during surgery to improve the quality of life of the patient [4]. In conclusion, we believe that surgery for chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma in an only hearing ear should be performed by experienced surgeons. If there is a complication like total hearing loss, we may remember the treatment options, such as Cochclear implantation which protect the patient from deafness.