Auditory changes in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery

During orthognathic surgery, especially on the maxilla, osteotomies and displacements cause paratubular muscle dysfunction due to edema and muscle traction. This can cause auditory dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of orthognathic surgery on the auditory status of patients. 54 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent audiometric tests 24 h preoperatively, and 48 h 6 weeks and 8 weeks postoperatively (2 weeks after maxillomandibular fixation removal). Surgery was on the maxilla, mandible or both. The types of movements were recorded. Audiometric examinations included pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and Eustachian tube function test. In the maxillary and bimaxillary procedures, there was some auditory system dysfunction (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, a few patients had some mild dysfunction (p < 0/05). In conclusion, orthognathic surgery (mainly maxillary and bimaxillary procedures) can cause some auditory system dysfunction, which is mild and transient in most cases and requires no intervention.