Hearing in patients operated unilaterally for otosclerosis. Self-assessment of hearing and audiometric results

The objective of this study was to examine the outcome of unilateral stapes surgery in one patient group with bilateral hearing loss and one group wit h unilateral hearing loss. The patients' own estimations of improvement in hearing ability and the occurrence of other ear-related symptoms were exami ned retrospectively and in a follow-up study. Ninety-five of 123 patients o perated for otosclerosis in only one ear between 1987 and 1992 responded to a follow-up examination. Observed audiometric findings and changes thereof , along with the patients' own estimations of their hearing handicap pre- a nd postoperatively, and the occurrence of other ear-related symptoms were s tudied. Despite good surgical results (closure of air-bone gap within 20 dB in 94%), 33% of the patients had severe hearing disabilities postoperative ly, and many of these patients needed further amplification with a hearing aid. Mild dizziness occurred in 33% of the patients postoperatively and did not decrease over lime. Discomfort in the operated ear due to strong sound s was reported in 20%. Change in sound quality occurred in 80% of the opera ted ears, but tended to disappear over time. From the results of this study it may be concluded that surgery in one ear only, leaving the other ear wi th poor hearing, is not an optimal hearing rehabilitation of patients with otosclerosis. It is important endevour to achieve bilateral hearing in orde r to give the patient good social hearing. Postoperative dizziness and unpl easant hearing quality do occur frequently, and the patients need to be inf ormed about these problems preoperatively.