Otosclerosis and the role of second ear surgery
Azlan, I.I.; Asma, A.; Saim, L.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 65(2): 152-154
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 23756804 Document Number: 640669
Hearing loss and tinnitus are the main symptoms of otosclerosis. Little is known about the cause of tinnitus in otosclerosis and the factors influencing the effect of surgery on tinnitus. Though by surgery, we are able to inform patient about probable hearing gain and even benefit concerning bilateral hearing, it is however difficult to predict the course of tinnitus. The principle aim of stapes surgery is to restore hearing but some patients also report reduction in the severity of tinnitus and even complete cessation of it. We describe a case report of a 37 year old male who underwent a second stapes surgery. We wish to illustrate that for our patient, tinnitus represents a major disturbance and the patient is as much concerned with the improvement of hearing as with the improvement of tinnitus.