Effect of preoperative hearing level on success of stapes surgery

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated functional results after stapedotomy in terms of the influence of preoperative hearing threshold. Study Design: Case series and chart review. Subjects and Methods: We classified 141 patients according to preoperative mean air-conduction threshold: 40 to 54 dB, group 1; 55 to 69 dB, group 2; and 70 to 89 dB, group 3. Speech discrimination scores also were noted. Results: All groups showed significant improvement. The greatest increase in postoperative speech discrimination score was seen in group 3. Group 1 improved from moderate hearing loss (mean, 49 dB) to normal (mean, 24 dB); group 2, from moderately severe loss (mean, 61.2 dB) to mild (mean, 28 dB); and group 3, from severe loss (mean, 76.4 dB) to moderate (mean, 41.1 dB). Conclusion: Success in treating otosclerosis does not depend on extent of preoperative hearing loss. Patients with severe loss improved to moderate, increasing the benefit from use of a hearing aid. The patients attained good auditory function, improving their quality of life.