Despite a lot of scientific advancements in otology, canal wall-down mastoidectomy is still considered to be the standard of care in the management of extensive cholesteatoma. To avoid large cavity related problems, mastoid obliteration has been described in the literature for many decades. Controversy prevails among otologists regarding the materials used for obliteration. This study aimed to evaluate the results of mastoid obliteration and reconstruction of posterior meatal wall after mastoidectomy using ready-to-use, self-setting hydroxyapatite bone cement.

Retrospective analysis was performed of all consecutive patients who underwent canal wall down mastoidectomies and primary mastoid obliteration with ready-to-use, self-setting hydroxyapatite bone cement. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Primary Outcome measures include need for explantation and post-operative complications.

Total of 26 patients were included in the study. Only one patient required complete explantation. All patients acquired dry cavities in the final follow-up. Few minor complications including external auditory canal granulations and post-aural wound dehiscence. There was no cholesteatoma recidivism.

Ready-to-use, self-setting hydroxyapatite bone cement serves the purpose of mastoid obliteration. In addition, it is time efficient and requires less expertise. It has excellent outcomes in terms of cholesteatoma recidivism. We recommend further research in this area with a large cohort.

To describe the post-operative complications and audiological results related to percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices.

A retrospective review was conducted of 44 patients with bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss who were implanted with unilateral Baha Connect or Ponto devices. A generalised linear model for repeated measurements was used.

Twenty patients were Baha Connect users, and 24 were implanted with Ponto devices. Twenty-seven patients experienced complications. No fewer complications were found in the group of patients using longer abutments. When we compared the frequency of complications between Ponto and Baha Connect users, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.90). Free-field hearing thresholds were statistically significantly improved when we compared pre- and post-operative results (p < 0.001). Average speech perception also improved (p < 0.001).

Despite percutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices having a high rate of complications, they provide significant audiological benefits.