Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41786935›Full record

ReviewEuropean archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery2026

A brief history of otologic surgery: restoring hearing through the ages.

Christian Alessio, David Sunnucks

Abstract readHistorical ArticleReview
In one paragraph

Review in European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Christian AlessioFaculty of Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Malta Campus, Victoria, Malta. chris.alessio99@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0004-7056-0318
David SunnucksDepartment of Anatomy, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Malta Campus, Victoria, Malta.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWith an aging demographic, hearing loss is set to become the most common sensory deficit worldwide. Hearing impairment has a profound and far-reaching impact on wellbeing, extending well beyond the immediate challenges of sound perception.

objectiveThis review aims to trace the evolution of surgical practices in otology from ancient to modern times, emphasizing key milestones that have shaped the field.

methodsA narrative historical review was conducted examining major developments in otologic surgery, with particular focus on contributions from key figures including Hippocrates, Riolan, Kessel, Shea, Berthold and House. The review centers on the management of conductive hearing pathologies, specifically ear infections, ossicular and bony abnormalities, and tympanic membrane perforations.

resultsHistorical analysis demonstrates a progressive refinement of surgical techniques, driven by anatomical discoveries, technological advancements, and innovative operative approaches. Contributions from pioneering surgeons significantly advanced the management of conductive hearing disorders and laid the foundation for modern otologic surgery.

conclusionThe evolution of otologic surgery reflects the transformative impact of medical, surgical and technological innovation on hearing restoration. Understanding this historical progression provides essential context for current practice and highlights potential avenues for future advancement.

Indexed as

Hearing LossOtologic Surgical ProceduresHearing Loss, ConductiveHistory, 15th CenturyHistory, 16th CenturyHistory, 17th CenturyHistory, 18th CenturyHistory, 19th CenturyHistory, 20th CenturyHistory, 21st CenturyHistory, AncientHistory, MedievalHumansDevelopments in ear surgeryHistory of otologyMastoidectomyMyringoplastyMyringotomyOtologic surgeryStapedectomy

Identifiers

PMID41786935
PMCPMC13249696

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.