# Effectiveness of Stapedotomy in Improving Audibility and Quality of Life in Patients with Unilateral Otosclerosis – A Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

Stapedotomy surgery improves hearing and quality of life in patients with unilateral otosclerosis.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of stapedotomy in improving both hearing and quality of life in unilateral otosclerosis patients.

## Key findings

- Air-conduction hearing thresholds improved from 56.6 dB HL preoperatively to 31.3 dB HL six months post-surgery.
- Air-bone gap decreased from 29.8 dB HL preoperatively to 9.9 dB six months after surgery.
- Quality of life improved significantly in domains like independent living, senses, mental health, coping, and relationships.

## Abstract

To assess the quality of life in patients with unilateral otosclerosis treated surgically with stapedotomy. Both objective indicators (hearing thresholds and air-bone gap) and subjective patient assessment of quality of life were considered.

We included 84 patients with unilateral otosclerosis who underwent stapes surgery. There were 24 men and 60 women, aged between 22 and 73 (mean = 44.1 ± 10.5) years. Pure tone audiometry (frequency range: 0.125–8 kHz) was performed preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Quality of life was assessed with the Assessment of Quality of Life – 8 Dimensions (AQoL-8D) questionnaire.

The preoperative air-conduction hearing thresholds were on average 56.6 dB HL and improved significantly to 31.3 dB HL 6 months after stapes surgery. Air-bone gap before surgery was on average 29.8 dB HL and improved significantly to 9.9 dB 6 months after stapes surgery. Hearing thresholds were stable for 12 months after stapes surgery. Overall quality of life significantly increased after surgery, with improvements occurring in several domains:
independent living
,
senses
,
mental health
,
coping
, and
relationships
.

Stapedotomy is an effective treatment for patients with unilateral otosclerosis. As well as improving hearing thresholds, it significantly enhances overall quality of life.