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Stapes Surgery for Profound Hearing Loss Secondary to Otosclerosis
Louis Dwyer-Hemmings1, Joseph G Manjaly1, Robert Nash1
11 Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|April 4, 2019
Summary
Stapes surgery significantly improves hearing thresholds and quality of life for patients with profound otosclerosis, potentially avoiding cochlear implantation (CI) and reducing hearing aid dependency.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Otosclerosis is a condition causing progressive hearing loss.
- Profound hearing loss in otosclerosis often meets criteria for cochlear implantation (CI).
- Stapes surgery is a potential intervention for hearing loss in otosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of stapes surgery in patients with otosclerosis and profound hearing loss.
- To assess hearing threshold changes and quality of life improvements post-surgery.
- To determine if stapes surgery can be an alternative to cochlear implantation (CI) in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 33 patients (35 ears) with otosclerosis and profound hearing loss.
- Analysis of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 kHz before and after stapes surgery.
- Assessment of quality of life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) in 21 patients.
Main Results:
- Hearing thresholds improved in 80% of ears, with a mean improvement of 26.3 dB.
- Significant quality of life improvements were noted, with a mean GBI score of +20.7.
- Reduced hearing aid use was observed, with 28.6% of patients ceasing use and 23.8% decreasing use.
Conclusions:
- Stapes surgery offers a significant quantitative improvement in hearing for patients with profound otosclerosis.
- The procedure enhances quality of life and reduces reliance on hearing aids, potentially avoiding CI.
- This surgical approach provides a valuable alternative, preserving the natural auditory experience.
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