Thin vs thick ear cartilage: which patch heals better?
NCT ID NCT07471191
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two types of cartilage grafts used to repair eardrum holes in adults. One graft is thin (0.5 mm) and the other is thick (1.8 mm). The goal is to see which one leads to better healing and hearing after six months. Thirty adults with long-standing eardrum perforations will take part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tragal cartilage graft (partial-thickness or full-thickness)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that using a thinner cartilage graft improves eardrum healing rates and hearing outcomes after surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The study hasn't started recruiting yet, and there is always a chance the thinner graft could be less durable.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Inclusion (all required): * Age 18-65 years. * safe chronic perforation ≥6 months. * Subtotal (25-75%) or large (\>75%) pars tensa defect. * Dry ear ≥3 months (culture-negative). * Intact ossicles, healthy mucosa. * Viable tragal cartilage. * Informed written consent capability. Exclusion criteria : * unsafe otitis, * active discharge, * Eustachian dysfunction e.g cleft palate, * ossicular defects * prior surgery, * unfit patients * non-compliance
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years. * safe chronic perforation ≥6 months. * Subtotal (25-75%) or large (\>75%) pars tensa defect. * Dry ear ≥3 months (culture-negative). * Intact ossicles, healthy mucosa. * Viable tragal cartilage. * Informed written consent capability. Exclusion Criteria: * unsafe otitis, * active discharge, * Eustachian dysfunction e.g cleft palate, * ossicular defects * prior surgery, * unfit patients * non-compliance
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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