Aim: The objective of this study was to assess whether Nd:YAG laser myringotomy has a negative effect on the cochlea.
Materials and methods: Ten adult guinea pigs with a normal Preyer's reflex were treated by myringotomy with an Nd:YAG laser (power output 8-10W) under surgical microscopic guidance. Preoperative and immediately postoperative hearing tests were performed using auditory brainstem response. The cochlear hair cells were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Results: The mean postoperative hearing threshold of the auditory brainstem response showed an insignificant elevation. SEM findings revealed normal outer and inner hair cells after laser myringotomy.
Conclusion: No negative effect of Nd:YAG laser myringotomy on the cochlea was found. From these results, it can be concluded that the Nd:YAG laser is safe and effective for myringotomy.