Effects of stapedectomy on tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis

Tinnitus frequently accompanies hearing loss in patients with otosclerosis and has been correlated with distinct otosclerotic pathologies. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of stapedectomy on tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis. Forty patients were retrospectively interviewed for assessment of preoperative versus postoperative levels of tinnitus distress using the standardized Klockhoff-Lindblom (K/L) classification system. Audiometric data also were examined with respect to tinnitus grades. Of the 40 patients, 34 (85%) had improved K/L tinnitus grades after stapedectomy, 5 (12.5%) had no change, and 1 (2.5%) had a worse K/L grade postoperatively. Twenty-one (52.5%) patients reported complete resolution of tinnitus. Postoperative air-bone gap was less for patients with decreased tinnitus than for those with no change. Significant improvement was seen in the degree of tinnitus distress after stapedectomy for otosclerosis.