Functional outcomes of otosclerosis surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this work were to evaluate the results of otosclerosis surgery and to study the predictors of its functional success. METHODS: Our study was retrospective on 322 patients, equivalent to 418 ears operated in the otolaryngology and head and neck surgery department, from January 2000 to December 2020. RESULTS: Hearing success was noted in 89.5% of patients considering the Postoperative Residual Air Bone Gap (PRABG) ≤10 dB criterion; in 94.3% of patients according to the conductive gain ≥20 dB criterion; in 96.4% of patients based on the improvement of cochlear reserve criterion; in 88.8% according to the Air Bone Gap improvement (ABGi) ≥70% criterion and in 81.8% considering all these criteria. The short, medium and long-term postoperative tonal audiometries could be superimposed, reflecting the stability of the hearing results. A regression of tinnitus has been reported in 79.2% of cases. The independent predictors of hearing success were the Aubry's audiometric stages I and II, mean preoperative air curve >40 dB and platinotomy. The independent predictors of tinnitus regression retained were male sex, no exposure to loud noise and Veillon radiological stages I and II. CONCLUSION: The identification of factors influencing the functional results of surgery allows a better selection of candidates for the intervention and more relevant information for patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3: Non-randomized controlled cohort or follow-up study.