Research Article - Otolaryngology Online Journal (2017) Volume 7, Issue 4

Does Patient Gender Influence Hearing Gains After Small Fenestra Stapedotomy? A Prospective Study of 110 patients

Purpose: To study the effect of patient gender on hearing outcomes after stapes surgery.

Background: Otosclerosis is an osseous dyscrasia of the temporal bone that often leads to conductive hearing loss. The hearing deficit is correctable by surgery or hearing aids. While various surgical factors are documented to influence surgical outcomes, there remains a paucity of data on whether patient characteristics play a role in influencing hearing outcomes. Methods: 110 patients underwent small fenestra stapedectomy. Pre and post-operative audiometric data was recorded at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 KHz, 2 Khz, 3 KHz, 4 Khz, 6 Khz and 8 Khz. Frequencies were categorized as low (250 Hz), speech (500 Hz to 4 KHz) and high (6 KHz and 8 KHz). A standard stapedotomy using a 0.6 mm Teflon piston was inserted. Air-Bone Gaps were calculated preoperatively and at each follow-up. The last follow-up at six months was taken for final analysis.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in pre-operative hearing gaps or postoperative hearing gain at low, speech or higher frequencies.

Conclusion: Gender does not influence hearing gain after stapes surgery. The authors recommend a larger sample size to further examine and validate this conclusion.

Author(s): Nishikanta Verma

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