A reevaluation of the 512-Hz Rinne tuning fork test as a patient selection criterion for laser stapedotomy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to challenge the classical hypothesis that a negative preoperative 512-Hz Rinne tuning fork test (bone conduction greater than air conduction) is a necessary condition to allow consistent objective and subjective hearing improvement with surgery for otosclerosis.


METHODS
The study design was retrospective (chart review and questionnaire).


METHODS
The study was conducted at a Florida Ear and Sinus Center at Sarasota, Florida, a tertiary otology-neurotology referral center.


METHODS
Patients who underwent primary laser stapedotomy with equivocal (air=bone) preoperative 512-Hz Rinne test results participated.


METHODS
KTP laser stapedotomy was performed.


METHODS
Audiologic measurements of air-bone gap closure and patient assessment of hearing improvement and satisfaction were conducted.


RESULTS
The air-bone gap was closed to within 10 dB in all cases. There were no complications. Eighteen patients were questioned about their results. Hearing improvement was subjectively described as "excellent" or "good" by 17 (94%), and 16 (89%) thought the surgery was "absolutely" worthwhile.


CONCLUSIONS
The preoperative 512-Hz Rinne test results need not be negative to achieve significant air-bone gap closure and subjective appreciation of improved hearing.
Gordon
M A
MA
Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.
Silverstein
H
H
Willcox
T O
TO
Rosenberg
S I
SI
D001299:Audiometry; D001844:Bone Conduction; D006320:Hearing Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013200:Stapes Mobilization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires