Limitations of the study
This study has the limitation that only a small number of patients was included per single type of CMED. Nevertheless, the data reported in this study encourages future assessment of HRQoL in different types of CMED in larger trials. Furthermore, a selection bias for patients undergoing functional surgery (COM without cholesteatoma, persistent mastoid cavity without recurrent cholesteatoma, revision ossiculoplasty for hearing restoration) is probable as only patients being aware of individual symptoms present to healthcare facilities and are referred for surgical treatment. Nevertheless, the results suggest that functional revision surgery may relevantly improve HRQoL if well indicated.