[Results of surgical treatment of otosclerosis]

The aim of the study is to assess the results of surgical treatment in otosclerosis patients. The study included 68 patients (51 women and 17 men) aged 19-61 (mean age: 42) operated on for otosclerosis.

77 surgical procedures were performed (67 stapedotomies and 10 stapedectomies). The operation on the second ear was performed in 9 cases. Tonal audiometry and stapedius reflex were performed in all the patients. Mean hearing loss was determined by applying five frequency: 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Audiometric examinations were done before and 8 to 20 days after the operation.

Mean hearing loss of the patients was 63.6 dB. Mean hearing improvement in the stapedotomy patients group was 26.6 dB and in the stapedectomy patients group: 29.5 dB. The lack of hearing gain was observed in 4 patients. A decrease of air-bone gap below 10 dB or its closure was shown in 74% of the cases. In 16% of the patients the air-bone gap after the surgical procedure ranged from 11 to 20 dB, in 10% of the cases overdrew 21 dB. Early complications, up to one month after the operation, appeared in 4 patients in the form of vertigo, balance disorders, tinnitus and the feeling pressure in the ear. In one patient, tinnitus in the operated ear appeared 12 months after the surgery.

The surgical procedure in otosclerosis patients has improved their hearing. In the first few days after the operation, balance disorders were observed.