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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
The Microscopic Transcanal Approach in Stapes Surgery Revisited
Published on: February 16, 2022
[Development and validation of the Stapesplasty Outcome Test 25 (SPOT-25)]
S Lailach1, T Schenke2, I Baumann3
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals‑, Nasen‑, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. Susen.Lailach@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
Background:
Otosclerosis affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Until now, measurements have only been performed using audiometric data or non-validated quality of life questionnaires.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to develop the first validated disease-specific HRQOL measuring instrument to determine HRQOL in otosclerosis.
Materials And Methods:
After sequential analysis and item reduction of the initial Stapesplasty Outcome Test 47 (SPOT-47), the SPOT-25 was validated prospectively on 52 otosclerosis patients undergoing stapes surgery. In addition to the overall score, four subscores were defined (hearing function, tinnitus, social restrictions, mental condition).
Results:
The SPOT-25 showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.7), allowed discrimination between otosclerosis patients and healthy subjects, and demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability (r = 0.85). After stapes surgery, the HRQOL improved significantly. The responsiveness was high.
Conclusion:
The SPOT-25 is the first validated disease-specific instrument for HRQOL measurement in otosclerosis patients. It should be used routinely for quality control.
