Clinical Audiological Features of Otosclerosis—Preoperative Hearing Analysis in 80 Ears

TL;DR

This study analyzes preoperative hearing data from 80 ears in China to better understand otosclerosis and improve its diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the audiological features of otosclerosis in a low-incidence population in China.

Findings

Tinnitus is the most common symptom in otosclerosis patients.

Willis paracusis and Schwarz sign are rarely observed in otosclerosis cases.

The Gellé test is a reliable diagnostic tool for otosclerosis.

Abstract

The incidence of otosclerosis is lower in yellow and black populations compared to white populations. Preoperative diagnosis and surgical indications are based on clinical features and audiological evaluations. To summarize the clinical features and analyze audiological characteristics of otosclerosis in China, aiming to improve the diagnosis and determination of surgery given its low incidence in the country. A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 80 ears (48 patients) who underwent surgery for otosclerosis from 2003 to 2023. Among the patients, 88.8% experienced tinnitus, only 2.5% had Willis paracusis, Schwarz sign was all absent, and Gellé test was negative in 98.7%. Furthermore, 31.2% of the patients did not exhibit a Carhart notch, while 63.6% had a Carhart notch at 2 kHz, and 5.2% at 1 kHz. Tinnitus is the main accompanying symptom of otosclerosis. Willis Paracusis and Schwarz sign are relatively rare in otosclerosis. The Gellé test provides reliable diagnostic criteria for otosclerosis. The presence of a Carhart notch is not definitive for diagnosing otosclerosis and does not appear exclusively at 2 kHz. Significance: P < 0.05.

Figures