Characteristics and postoperative course of tinnitus in otosclerosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of tinnitus in otosclerosis and to evaluate the effects of stapes surgery on the course of this symptom. Setting: Hospital ear, nose, and throat department. Patients and Design: Sixty-two patients (65 ears) scheduled to undergo stapes surgery were prospectively enrolled in the study. The incidence and characteristics of tinnitus were recorded using a specific questionnaire before surgery and I and 6 months after surgery. The frequency range of the tinnitus was noted during standard audiometric examination. Audiometric data were recorded following AAO-HNS guidelines. Intervention: All patients underwent stapes surgery (either stapedectomy or stapedotomy). Results: Tinnitus was present at the time of surgery in 74% of the patients. It was severely disabling for patients in 24.6% of the cases. In patients who were preoperatively free of tinnitus, no tinnitus was noted in the postoperative period (1 and 6 months). In patients with preoperative tinnitus, tinnitus ceased in 55.9%, decreased in 32.4%, remained the same in 8.8%, and increased in 2.9% 6 months after surgery. Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant prognostic factors regarding the course of tinnitus. Conclusions: in otosclerotic patients who will undergo stapedectomy to improve hearing, stapes surgery may also improve tinnitus in most of them.