Abstract
Introduction: The main determinant in deciding on stapes surgery in patients with otosclerosis is the degree of hearing loss, specifically the size of the preoperative air-bone gap (ABG). The debate over the minimum ABG centers on the risk-to-benefit ratio of stapes surgery in patients with small ABG (sABG). The aim of this study was to measure the audiological outcomes and self-assessed satisfaction in a group of otosclerosis patients with an sABG who underwent stapedotomy. Methods: There were 83 patients with preoperative sABG ≤25 dB HL (mean of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 Hz) included in this study. Audiometry was performed before surgery and 6 months and 12–36 months after surgery. Self-reported patient outcomes before and after surgery were collected using questionnaires. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the ABG was closed within 10 dB in 63 (78.8%) cases. Preoperatively, tinnitus was present in 70% of patients, of which 66% reported that tinnitus was a moderate or severe problem. Postoperatively, 71% of patients experienced a significant reduction in tinnitus severity and 34% of them reported complete disappearance. The self-report outcomes relating to quality of life and hearing reflected a good level of satisfaction in most patients. Conclusion: The possibility of reducing bothersome tinnitus after stapes surgery, and thus improving the patient’s quality of life, should be taken into account when making a decision on stapes surgery in these patients.