Treatment of choice in deafness associated with attico-antral perforation is
**Core Concept**
Middle ear infections leading to attico-antral perforation can cause sensorineural hearing loss due to the spread of infection to the inner ear. The treatment of choice aims to address the underlying cause, prevent further complications, and restore hearing.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The treatment of choice in deafness associated with attico-antral perforation is tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy. This surgical procedure involves repairing the perforated eardrum (tympanoplasty) and removing infected mastoid air cells (mastoidectomy). This approach helps to eliminate the source of infection, prevent further damage to the inner ear, and promote healing. The surgery also aims to restore hearing by improving the middle ear's ability to conduct sound waves.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Antibiotics alone may not be sufficient to treat attico-antral perforation, as the infection has spread beyond the confines of the middle ear. While antibiotics can help manage the infection, they do not address the underlying cause of the perforation.
* **Option B:** Corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling, but they do not address the underlying cause of the perforation or the infection. Additionally, corticosteroids may not be effective in treating sensorineural hearing loss.
* **Option C:** Hearing aids may be used as a temporary measure to improve hearing, but they do not address the underlying cause of the perforation or the infection. In cases of attico-antral perforation, hearing aids may not be sufficient to restore hearing.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of attico-antral perforation, prompt surgical intervention is crucial to prevent further complications, such as sensorineural hearing loss, facial paralysis, and meningitis.
**Correct Answer: C. Tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy.**