Evaluation of second-ear stapedotomy with the Glasgow benefit plot

This study reports the evaluation of the results after 72 stapedotomies in patients with bilateral otosclerosis. All pre- and postoperative audiologic al data, together with all relevant information of the operations, were sto red in a data base and analyzed retrospectively. The Glasgow benefit plot ( GBP) is a useful method to evaluate the hearing results of each individual ear after stapes surgery in a more functional way rather than from a techni cal standpoint. Therefore, it has been used to assess the benefit obtained after second-ear stapedotomy. From the results it appears that a second ope ration on the contralateral side increases the chances of achieving at leas t one 'normal'-hearing ear, and it makes symmetrical 'normal' hearing possi ble in the majority of the cases.