Otosclerosis in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
OBJECTIVE
The focus of this paper is on the changing patterns of presentation of otosclerosis over the past 37 years.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Private otology practice.


METHODS
Randomized selection of 400 patients (100 per decade) from 15,372 who underwent stapedectomy over the past four decades.


METHODS
Extent of cochlear involvement, bilaterality of disease, length of history, degree of hearing loss, and pathological findings are noted.


RESULTS
The decreasing incidence of footplates necessitating drillouts is discussed. Changing audiometric patterns at presentation such as decreased pure-tone average hearing thresholds and smaller air-bone gaps are also reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
This review demonstrates the changing patterns of presentation of otosclerosis over the past 37 years and will help guide the stapes surgeon into the year 2000.
Lippy
W H
WH
Warren Otologic Group, Ohio 44484, USA.
Berenholz
L P
LP
Burkey
J M
JM
D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone / Q000379:methods; D001844:Bone Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors