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.