The aim of this study was to compare KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) laser therapy and dextracin ear drops for treatment of chronic myringitis.

A case series involving 31 patients (18 laser group; 13 dextracin group). Primary outcomes included otorrhoea resolution, improvement in Chronic Ear Survey scores and endoscopic resolution. Secondary outcomes included hearing outcome and complications. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank and Fisher’s exact tests.

The laser group had a higher rate of otorrhoea resolution 66.67 per cent (n = 12) vs 15.38 per cent (n = 2) (p = 0.006), showed significant improvement in symptom scores (median 31.43; p = 0.005) and medical resource use (16.67; p < 0.001) and had a significant myringitis area reduction of 31.84 per cent (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in Chronic Ear Survey scores and area reduction in the dextracin group. One laser-group patient developed a permanent perforation.

KTP laser therapy is effective for refractory chronic myringitis, offering superior symptom relief and reduced healthcare utilisation compared to topical treatment.