Effect of the surgical assisted maxillary expansion on the auditory apparatus

Objectives: Surgically Assisted Maxillary Expansion (SAME) is a treatment method used to correct transverse deficiency in the maxillary arch. Various craniofacial areas especially in the areas of articulation of the maxilla could be affected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SAME on auditory apparatus. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 patients with complete bone maturation were examined before maxillary expansion (T0), at completion of expansion (T1) and after the retention period (T2). Audiogram, tympanogram, physical exam, dental cast and radiograph evaluation were used to investigate the anatomical and physiological modifications after surgery. Results: In the audiogram of both ears, after SAME, 2000-4000Hz (T1-T2) frequency of the left ear was the only one not to show improvement. However, only 250- 1000Hz and 1000-2000Hz were statistically significant (p<0.005). Tympanogram revealed no great alterations after the treatment for the membrane elasticity. No correlations were found between skeletal changes obtain by radiograph and dental cast measurements and the audiometric records (p>0.005). Conclusions: Positive effects of the SAME on the auditory apparatus were not as effective as for children. Mild changes on hearing capacity were not clinically effective.