The effect on tinnitus of stapes surgery for otosclerosis

Among 352 patients with otosclerosis who underwent stapes surgery; 220 patients including 20 received total stapedectomy, 40 partial stapedectomy and 160 small fenestra stapedotomy were investigated on preoperative and postoperative tinnitus by sending questionnaire. The tinnitus was evaluated by ''tinitus score'' advocated by the Japan Audiological Society, and the changes of the scores were analyzed accdording to pre- and postoperative hearing change, type of stapes surgery and pitches of preoperative tinnitus. In these 220 patients, tinnitus score was improved in 58%, unchanged in 33% or worsened in 9%. Tinnitus was completely disappeared in 51 patients or 23%. Tinnitus score became more markedly improved in the patients received partial stapedectomy or small fenestra stapedotomy than those who received total stapedectomy. Tinnitus score was more likely improved in the patients who had a low patched tinnitus and presummably had Ilo coclear otosclerosis preoperatively.