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Long-term hearing results following stapedotomy
J L Dornhoffer1, H A Bailey, S S Graham
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA.
The American Journal of Otology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Small fenestra stapes surgery (stapedotomy) shows favorable long-term hearing results compared to total stapedectomy. Conductive hearing loss did not significantly increase over 5-11 years post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Stapedotomy offers advantages over total stapedectomy, but long-term hearing outcomes require further investigation.
- Limited data exists on the long-term efficacy of the small fenestra technique for hearing restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term hearing results of stapedotomy (small fenestra stapes surgery).
- To compare the long-term hearing outcomes of stapedotomy with historical data from total stapedectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hearing data from 35 stapedotomy patients (37 ears) with 5-11 years follow-up.
- Audiometric data (air conduction, bone conduction, speech discrimination) collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and at long-term intervals.
Main Results:
- Stapedotomy demonstrated favorable long-term hearing results compared to total stapedectomy.
- A linear deterioration of air conduction thresholds was observed, correlating with bone conduction decrease in the operated ear.
- No significant increase in conductive hearing loss was noted over time after initial air-bone gap closure.
Conclusions:
- The small fenestra technique provides durable hearing improvement for otosclerosis.
- Long-term bone conduction changes in the operated ear appear similar to age-related hearing loss (presbycusis).
- Carhart's effect may contribute to hearing deterioration in the non-operated ear.