Cone beam computed tomography after round window vibroplasty. do the radiological findings match the auditory outcome?

Conclusion: The CBCT imaging technique has proved to be reliable for assessing the appropriate positioning of the FMT in the round window niche. However, when considering specific imaging parameters, such as lack of bony contacts and appropriate inferior support, they would not seem essential for achieving a satisfactory functional outcome. Objectives: To evaluate the value of some imaging parameters derived from a Cone Beam Computed Tomography of the temporal bone for predicting a good functional outcome after Round Window Vibroplasty (RW-VP). Method: A CBCT imaging has been carried out at certain time after RW-VP surgery in a homogenous group of patients who presented with a mixed-type hearing loss after open tympanoplasty for a cholesteatoma. Three arbitrary radiological parameters have been considered for the purpose: the FMT/RW membrane contact; eventual FMT bony contacts; appropriatmess of inferior FMT support. The audiological assessment has taken into consideration the PTA4 (500-4000 Hertz), the PTA2 (125.250 Hertz), the WRS in quiet and in noise (SNR=+10). A comparison between the unaided and the RW-VP aided condition has been performed.