Impact of orthognathic surgery on auditory function

Summary Introduction: Orthognathic surgeries are surgical procedures used to correct jaw anomalies. The aim of these procedures is to improve functional and aesthetic issues. These surgeries, especially those involving the upper jaw, can impair the proper function of the Eustachian tube and negatively aff ect middle ear ventilation and hearing. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of orthognathic surgery on adult patients‘ auditory functions. We focused on evaluating possible changes in the middle ear and Eustachian tube function in patients undergoing this form of surgery. The main aim is to determine whether orthognathic surgery can impair normal hearing abilities of healthy individuals and whether there is a diff erence in the eff ect of surgery on patients with congenital orofacial clefts compared to healthy individuals. Methods: The methodology includes audiometric and tympanometric examinations of 30 adult patients, both before and after orthognathic surgery, as well as data collection using a questionnaire focused on hearing impairment. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of a congenital cleft. Results: In the control group without cleft palate (11 subjects), no hearing defects were detected before surgery, and no deterioration of hearing function occurred after surgery. The second group consisted of 19 patients. Only one patient already had a hearing defect before surgery. There were also no statistically signifi cant changes in audiometric and tympanometric measurements as a result of surgery. The most common type of cleft in the group was SHAL (total unilateral left-sided cleft). Conclusion: Studies suggest a short-term negative impact of orthognathic surgery on hearing due to postoperative swelling, but hearing soon returns to its original level. No long-term negative eff ect on hearing or the middle ear has been found. Key words orthognathic surgery – hearing loss – orofacial cleft – audiometry – tympanometry