Quality of perceived sound after stapedotomy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the quality of perceived sound in relation to the audiometric result after stapedotomy.


METHODS
Ninety-eight patients with otosclerosis, who underwent stapedotomy between 2004 and 2005, participated in this retrospective study. Audiometric data were obtained before and after stapedotomy. Patients filled out two questionnaires: the Amsterdam Post Operative Sound Evaluation and the Operation Benefit Profile, which is based on the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile.


RESULTS
There were 83 responders and 15 nonresponders; 83% indicated that their hearing was now better compared to preoperatively. The sounds that gave the highest percentage of distortion were "high pitched sound" (15%) and "loud sound" (13%). The groups with an air-bone gap of 0 to 10 dB and 10 to 20 dB report a relatively high number of patients who experience distortion. The audiometric data correlate well with the Operation Benefit Score.


CONCLUSIONS
Audiometric improvement does not necessarily mean an improvement in perceived sound and vice versa. But the audiometric outcome is significantly related to the patient's experienced handicap, benefit of the operation, residual difficulty, and overall satisfaction.
Tan
Frédérique M L
FM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Grolman
Wilko
W
Tange
Rinze A
RA
Fokkens
Wytske J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D001307:Auditory Perception; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013200:Stapes Mobilization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome