Sensorineural hearing loss and otosclerosis: a clinical and radiologic survey of 437 cases

Acta Otolaryngol. 2001 Jan;121(2):200-4. doi: 10.1080/000164801300043505.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between bone level thresholds and the extension of otosclerotic foci within the otic capsule. The study consisted of a retrospective case review in a university hospital. We included patients who underwent surgery for otosclerosis in our department and who had a CT scan prior to surgery. We analyzed the data charts and CT scans of 437 cases (386 patients). On CT scan, we distinguished patients with fenestral otosclerosis and/or with a pericochlear focus. A pericochlear focus could be extended (Group 2) or not (Group 1) to the cochlear endosteum. Data for Groups 1 and 2 were compared with those for the control group of all patients for whom CT scan showed no cochlear focus (Group 3). Of the 437 CT scans, 399 were positive (91.3%). An anterior focus was reported in 305 cases (69.8%), a footplate thickening in 21 cases (4.8%) and both anomalies were encountered in 60 cases (13.7%). A pericochlear focus was reported in 53 examinations. This focus was extended to the endosteum in 14 cases (26.4% of the pericochlear foci). In Group 1, preoperative air conduction (AC) thresholds were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). The air--bone gap was also significantly larger in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Bone conduction (BC) thresholds were lower in Group 1 than in the control group but the difference was not significant. In Group 2, preoperative AC thresholds were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). BC thresholds were also lower in Group 2 than in the control group and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). As a result of this study, we assume that there may be a relationship between bone level thresholds and the radiological extension of otosclerosis within the otic capsule.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Auditory Threshold / physiology*
  • Bone Conduction / physiology*
  • Cochlea / physiopathology
  • Cochlea / surgery
  • Ear Ossicles / physiopathology
  • Ear Ossicles / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / diagnosis*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / physiopathology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Otosclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Otosclerosis / physiopathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Treatment Outcome