Radiological parameters and audiometric findings in otosclerosis: is there any relationship?

AbstractObjectiveThe role of high-resolution computed tomography scans in otosclerosis remains uncertain. There is a debate over the relationship between radiological and audiometric findings among patients.MethodPre-operative audiometry and high-resolution computed tomography findings from 40 ears with surgically confirmed otosclerosis were compared. High-resolution computed tomography scan data regarding the characteristics of the disease foci, the endosteal extension and the occurrence of internal auditory canal diverticula were obtained. The influence of each radiological variable on the simple pure tone average, the high-frequency pure tone average and the bone-conduction pure tone average were investigated.ResultsCases with endosteal extension (p = 0.047) and a higher number of affected sites within the otic capsule had a worse bone-conduction pure tone average, although it was only significant for the latter (p = 0.006). Those without concomitant retrofenestral disease (p = 0.019) had better simple pure tone average.ConclusionThe number of sites of involvement and concomitant retrofenestral disease seem to significantly impact audiometric findings in otosclerosis.</jats:sec

High-resolution computed tomography and pure-tone audiometry in patients with otosclerosis in the spongiotic phase

Abstract Objective There is no consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between high-resolution computed tomography findings and hearing thresholds in pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis. This study evaluated the association between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis in the spongiotic phase. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of 57 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation and tomographic findings. Air conduction and bone conduction thresholds on audiometry, and air–bone gap, were analysed. Results There were no correlations between sites affected by otospongiosis and air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold or air–bone gap in the analysed tomographic images, but the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum. Conclusion There were no relevant associations between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometric measurements. However, the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum. </jats:sec