Laser Doppler interferometry in the clinical sphere

Introduction: In a prospective trial, the diagnostic value of laser Doppler interferometry (LDI) was analysed in the clinical sphere. Method: LDI was compared with standard audiometry for preoperative differen tial diagnosis of a conductive hearing loss. The intraoperative diagnosis w as considered the gold standard. Results: LDI was applicable in the clinical sphere and allowed, in contrast to standard audiological methods, a statistically highly significant diffe rentiation of middle ear pathologies. Conclusion: LDI is a valuable addition to standard audiology for preoperati ve evaluation of the integrity and mobility of the ossicular chain.