Speech intelligibility prediction based on a physiological model of the human ear and a hierarchical spiking neural network.

A speech intelligibility (SI) prediction model is proposed that includes an auditory preprocessing component based on the physiological anatomy and activity of the human ear, a hierarchical spiking neural network, and a decision back-end processing based on correlation analysis. The auditory preprocessing component effectively captures advanced physiological details of the auditory system, such as retrograde traveling waves, longitudinal coupling, and cochlear nonlinearity. The ability of the model to predict data from normal-hearing listeners under various additive noise conditions was considered. The predictions closely matched the experimental test data under all conditions. Furthermore, we developed a lumped mass model of a McGee stainless-steel piston with the middle-ear to study the recovery of individuals with otosclerosis. We show that the proposed SI model accurately simulates the effect of middle-ear intervention on SI. Consequently, the model establishes a model-based relationship between objective measures of human ear damage, like distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and speech perception. Moreover, the SI model can serve as a robust tool for optimizing parameters and for preoperative assessment of artificial stimuli, providing a valuable reference for clinical treatments of conductive hearing loss.

Classification of ossicular fixation based on a computational simulation of ossicular mobility.

Ossicular fixation disturbs the mobility of the ossicular chain and causes conductive hearing loss. To diagnose the lesion area, otologists typically assess ossicular mobility through intraoperative palpation. Quantification of ossicular mobility and evidence-based diagnostic criteria are necessary for accurate assessment of each pathology, because diagnosis via palpation can rely on the surgeons' experiences and skills. In this study, ossicular mobilities were simulated in 92 pathological cases of ossicular fixation as compliances using a finite-element (FE) model of the human middle ear. The validity of the ossicular mobilities obtained from the FE model was verified by comparison with measurements of ossicular mobilities in cadavers using our newly developed intraoperative ossicular mobility measurement system. The fixation-induced changes in hearing were validated by comparison with changes in the stapedial velocities obtained from the FE model with measurements reported in patients and in temporal bones. The 92 cases were classified into four groups by conducting a cluster analysis based on the simulated ossicular compliances. Most importantly, the cases of combined fixation of the malleus and/or the incus with otosclerosis were classified into two different surgical procedure groups by degree of fixation, i.e., malleo-stapedotomy and stapedotomy. These results suggest that pathological characteristics can be detected using quantitatively measured ossicular compliances followed by cluster analysis, and therefore, an effective diagnosis of ossicular fixation is achievable.

Audiometric and Vestibular Function after Classic and Reverse Stapedotomy.

Background and Objectives: Besides classical stapedotomy, reverse stapedotomy has been used for many years in the management of otosclerosis. Our study aims to investigate whether reversing the surgical steps in stapedotomy impacts vestibular function and hearing improvement. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 123 patients underwent either classic or reverse stapedotomy procedures utilizing a fiber-optic argon laser. Audiological assessments, following the guidelines of the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium, were conducted, including pure tone average, air-bone (AB) gap, overclosure, and AB gap closure. Vestibular evaluation involved pre- and postoperative comparison of rotatory test parameters, including frequency, amplitude, and slow phase velocity of nystagmus. Results: The study demonstrated an overall median overclosure of 3.3 (3.3, 5.0) dB and a mean AB gap closure of 20.3 ± 8.8 dB. Postoperative median AB gap was 7.5 (7.5, 11.3) dB in the reverse stapedotomy group and 10.0 (10.0, 12.5) dB in the classic stapedotomy group. While overclosure and AB gap closure were marginally superior in the reverse stapedotomy group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. No significant disparities were observed in the frequency, slow phase velocity, or amplitude of nystagmus in the rotational test. Conclusions: Although not always possible, reverse stapedotomy proved to be a safe surgical technique regarding postoperative outcomes. Its adoption may mitigate risks associated with floating footplate, sensorineural hearing loss, and incus luxation/subluxation, while facilitating the learning curve for less experienced ear surgeons.

Hearing and Disease-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Otosclerosis after Stapedotomy - a Trial of the SPOT-25 Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the effect of stapedotomy on audiology measurements and the disease-specific health-related quality of life for patients with otosclerosis using the Danish Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 as a quality of life measuring tool. METHODS: In this study, 50 patients who had undergone stapedotomy at our department between September 2017 and December 2020 were included. Data collection was performed by audiometric testing (pure tone and speech audiometry) in the pre- and postoperative settings. Health-related quality of life was assessed pre- and postoperatively in 30 patients using the validated Danish Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25. RESULTS: The mean improvement in air conduction thresholds was 27.7 dB and the mean improvement in air-bone gap was 21.8 dB. Health- related quality of life improved significantly after stapes surgery in all subscores of the Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 (hearing, mental condition, social restriction, and general), except for "tinnitus." The improvement in the audiometric data correlated significantly with the improvement in "total score" and "hearing function" but not with "tinnitus," "social restrictions," and "mental condition." CONCLUSION: Stapedotomy leads to significant improvement in hearing and health-related quality of life. The Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 can be used as a valuable supplement to the hearing test by assessing health-related quality of life.

Different approach for surgery of stapes: Comparison microscopic and endoscopic approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to discuss the different surgical approach, functional hearing results, which are applied to patients operated with a diagnosis of otosclerosis in our clinic. METHODS: This study includes 92 ears of 84 patients who were operated with the diagnosis of otosclerosis. Air bone gap was calculated before and after the operation in all patients. In addition, endoscopic and microscopic methods can be compared and statistically tested whether there is a difference in air bone gap averages and surgical success. Of the 92 ears operated, 56 were right (61%) and 36 were left (39%). Otosclerosis was detected bilaterally in 61 patients (73%) and unilaterally (27%) in 23 patients. The duration of follow-up ranges from 6 month to ten years, on average 28 months. RESULTS: In the microscopic operation group, the air pathway measurement was mean 55.58 dB preoperatively and mean 38.42 dB postoperatively, with a mean decrease of 17.16 dB determined. The decrease between the preoperative and postoperative air pathway values was determined to be statistically significant (t:7.20, p < 0.001). In the microscopic operation group, the air-bone gap value was mean 30.50 dB preoperatively and fell by 15.90 dB to 14.60 dB postoperatively. In the endoscopic group, the air-bone gap value was mean 32.32 dB preoperatively and fell by 13.51 dB to 18.81 dB postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Stapes surgery is a successful method with high success rate and low complication rates in the treatment of otosclerosis. The success rate of endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery is similar. However, endoscopic stapes surgery is specific and difficult otological surgery that must be performed by surgeons specialised on this subject.

Comparing intermediate-term hearing results of NiTiBOND and Nitinol prostheses in stapes surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To statistically analyse the hearing thresholds of two cohorts undergoing stapedotomy for otosclerosis with two different prostheses. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted comparing NiTiBOND (n = 53) and Nitinol (n = 38) prostheses. RESULTS: Average follow-up duration was 4.1 years for NiTiBOND and 4.4 years for Nitinol prostheses. The post-operative air-bone gap was 10 dB or less, indicating clinical success. The p-values for differences between (1) pre- and post-operative values in the NiTiBOND group, (2) pre- and post-operative values in the Nitinol group, (3) pre-operative values and (4) post-operative values in the two groups were: air-bone gap - p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.631 and p = 0.647; four-frequency bone conduction threshold - p = 0.076, p = 0.129, p < 0.001 and p = 0.005; four-frequency air conduction threshold - p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.043 and p = 0.041; three-frequency (1, 2 and 4 kHz) bone conduction threshold pre-operatively - p = 0.639, p = 0.495, p = 0.001 and p = 0.01; and air conduction threshold at 4 kHz: - p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.03 and p = 0.058. CONCLUSION: Post-operative audiological outcomes for NiTiBOND and Nitinol were comparable.

Two-handed endoscopic ear surgery: Feasibility for stapes surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic ear surgery is becoming an increasingly popular approach. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the two-handed endoscopic technique for stapes surgery, which has its own unique steps. METHODS: Patients who underwent two-handed endoscopic stapes surgery between September 2017 and February 2018 were included in this study. Preoperative and postoperative pure tone averages and air bone gaps, intraoperative complications were recorded. All procedures were performed under hypotensive general anesthesia by the same surgeon using 0° rigid endoscopes of 2.7-mm diameter, 14-cm length with an endoscope holder. RESULTS: Seven endoscopic two-handed stapes surgery were performed between September 2017 and February 2018. Of these, six patients were operated entirely endoscopically because one patient was found to has perilymph gusher and converted to microscopic surgery. There were no intraoperative tympanic membrane injuries, facial nerve paresis or sensorineural hearing losses. The average preoperative ABG of patients who underwent fully endoscopic surgery was 31.3 dB, and the postoperative ABG closed up to 9.6 dB. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of the two-handed technique during endoscopic stapes surgery ensures the surgeon benefits from the advantages of endoscopy while overcoming the disadvantages of the one-handed technique.

Evaluation of stapes mobilization in the 21st century for conductive hearing loss in the otosclerotic ear.

PURPOSE: Compare outcomes of stapes mobilization and stapedectomy performed by a single surgeon for the otosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of adult patients who underwent stapes mobilization or stapedectomy for otosclerosis was performed. Operative notes reviewed; patients included if diagnosed with otosclerosis without another otologic disease that could contribute to their hearing loss and all required data were available. Pre-and post-operative audiograms at 1, 6, and 12-months were evaluated to compare the air-bone gaps between the mobilization and stapedectomy procedures. The rates of sensorineural hearing loss also were compared. Student t-tests and multiple regression models were used to ascertain the association between improvement in post-operative air-bone gaps, sensorineural hearing loss, and the procedure undertaken. RESULTS: Sixty-seven (n = 67) patients with 108 procedures were included for analysis. No substantial difference between the surgical subgroups was found when comparing stapes mobilization to stapedectomy, and there was no evidence to suggest that either surgical procedure was superior to the other based on the data obtained and analyzed. Improvements in air-bone gap averaged 15.79 dB for stapes mobilization and 19.23 dB for stapedectomy. The results of the study showed no evidence of post-operative sensorineural hearing loss or change in air-bone gaps when comparing virgin to "revision" stapedectomy largely in patients who had failed previous mobilization. CONCLUSION: Stapes mobilization provides a conservative approach to otosclerosis patients suffering from conductive hearing loss. Stapedectomy can be used to correct failed mobilization.

Do otosclerosis and stapedotomy affect semicircular canal functions? Preliminary results of video head impulse test.

BACKGROUND: Otosclerosis and stapedotomy have some effects on the vestibular system, but there are very limited data on their effects on semicircular canals (SCCs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate if otosclerosis and stapedotomy have an effect on SCCs and video head impulse test (vHIT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 11 otosclerosis patients who had undergone stapedotomy and 30 healthy participants. Twenty-two ears of 11 patients with otosclerosis were divided into two groups based on whether the ear had been operated (12 ears) or not (10 ears). All participants underwent vHIT. We compared gains of all SCCs, presence of saccades among the operated ears, unoperated ears and control ears. RESULTS: Significant difference (p<.05) was noted in comparisons of gain of lateral SCCs among all groups. Control group had the highest gain, followed by unoperated and operated groups, respectively. Comparison of incidence of covert saccade showed significant difference (p<.05) for lateral and posterior SCCs. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Otosclerosis and otosclerosis surgery may have some effects on SCC functions and thereby vHIT. Lateral SCC is the most affected SCC in terms of gain. These findings appear to add important contributions to our knowledge.

Endoscopic Stapedotomy: Overcoming Limitations of Operating Microscope.

The study is aimed to assess the scope of endoscopic stapedotomy in overcoming technical challenges faced during conventional stapedotomy using operating microscope. Sixty-four patients with clinical and audiological diagnosis of otosclerosis were randomly assigned into one of the 2 groups-one underwent conventional stapedotomy using operating microscope, while the other group underwent endoscopic stapedotomy, the operating surgeon being the same for both groups, for all cases. The 2 groups were observed in terms of extent of the postero-superior canal bone curettage/drilling, chorda tympani repositioning, visualization of footplate area, surgical time from first incision to ear packing, post-operative morbidity in terms of post-operative pain, vertigo, hearing outcome, and changes in taste sensation. It was observed that irrespective of the width of the external auditory canal, endoscopic approach offered better access to the footplate area requiring lesser bone removal and chorda tympani repositioning. The operating time, post-operative pain, and changes in taste sensation were significantly less in the endoscopic group. However, no difference was noted in terms of the post-operative hearing outcome and incidence of vertigo. Endoscopic stapedotomy has clear advantages in terms of the technicality and accessibility to the working area as well as faster recovery.

Carhart Notch-A Prognostic Factor in Surgery for Otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Otosclerosis is an underlying disease of the bony labyrinth. This disorder, occurring only within the area of a person's temporal bone, is characterized by a progressive hearing loss and tinnitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study looked for the answer to the question of whether the presence or absence of Carhart notch in the presurgical tonal audiogram affects the final outcome of the otosclerosis surgery. RESULTS: The analysis included 140 patients operated on for the first time due to otosclerosis between 2010 and 2016. The study group consisted of 107 women aged from 19 to 62 (average age: 40.33) and 33 men aged 27 to 59 (average age: 38.23). Analysis showed a statistically better result of stapedotomy in patients without the notch than in the same procedure in patients with the notch present. The opposite situation occurred in the case of stapedectomy. CONCLUSION: (1) The presence of a refraction of the bone conduction curve with a depth of 10 to 20 dB at a frequency of 2000 Hz (the so-called Carhart notch) in the presurgical tonal audiogram is an unfavorable prognostic factor in relation to closing the cochlear reserve and improving bone conduction after the stapedotomy. (2) Regardless of the presence or absence of Carhart notch in the presurgical tonal audiogram, stapedotomy is the procedure with the highest efficiency in the treatment of otosclerosis.

Simultaneous bilateral stapes surgery after follow-up of 13 years.

BACKGROUND: Eighteen patients underwent simultaneous bilateral stapes surgery in 2003-2006. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the long-term outcomes in this patient group, and assessed their hearing in noise and binaural hearing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients returned questionnaires concerning their hearing, taste function, and balance. Thirteen patients underwent pure-tone and speech audiogram, Finnish matrix sentence test, video head impulse test, and clinical examination on average 13 years after surgery. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in air- and bone conduction pure-tone average, speech audiometry, and the air-bone gap between the 1-year and the late postoperative visits. One patient had bilaterally a partial loss of the vestibulo-ocular reflex of unknown cause. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The hearing results 13 years after simultaneous bilateral stapes surgery remained good without any significant delayed complications. Simultaneous bilateral stapes surgery is a viable treatment option in selected patients with otosclerosis.

Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Stapedotomy Patients: Audiological Outcomes and Associated Factors in a Middle Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term (postoperative), medium-term (5 years), and long-term (10 and 15 years) audiometric results of patients who underwent stapedotomy and to determine specific factors associated with better postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case review of 486 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation who underwent microscopic small fenestra stapedotomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and medium- and long-term air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) were assessed. Postoperative factors associated with better postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: At 10- and 15-year follow-ups, ABG, AC, and BC were significantly deteriorated but clinically preserved in comparison with postoperative results. According to a multiple quantile regression, younger age was associated with better postoperative results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.003) and 4 kHz (p = 0.028) and a smaller preoperative ABG was associated with better audiometric results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.048), 0.5 kHz (p = 0.001), and 4 kHz (p = 0.001). In addition, younger age (p = 0.001 for AC and p < 0.001 for BC) and preoperative AC PTA (p < 0.001 for AC) were significantly associated with better postoperative AC and BC PTA. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy surgery provides short-, medium-, and long-term hearing benefits in our studied cohort. ABG, AC, and BC thresholds obtained after the surgery are clinically preserved in 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-ups, with an age-expected BC deterioration. Smaller preoperative ABG and younger age were positive predictors for better postoperative ABG. Future research should address long-term subjective and quality of life outcomes.

Hearing Outcomes and Complications in Stapes Surgery for Otosclerosis Performed Under General or Local Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Stapes surgery is highly successful in reducing or eliminating the audiometric air-bone gap (ABG) related to otosclerosis, and it can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Literature on the relative outcomes of these 2 modalities is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare hearing outcomes for these 2 modalities in a large patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Large otology referral center. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary stapes surgery for otosclerosis from 2005 to 2017 were grouped by anesthetic modality and their cases reviewed. Pre- and postoperative ABGs were primary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 580 patients undergoing stapes surgery were included: 46% received local anesthesia and 54% received general anesthesia. These 2 groups were similar in demographic and disease characteristics. Mean preoperative ABGs were 25.6 and 26.6 dB for patients undergoing local and general anesthesia, respectively (P = .2); mean postoperative ABGs were 9.5 and 9.7 dB (P = .9). There were no significant differences in the rates of complications, the need for revision surgery, or the need to abort surgery intraoperatively between local and general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Consistent with limited prior data, in this cohort stapes surgery yielded similar hearing outcomes whether performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. While we report the largest sample size to date, this study, like previous work, carries the potential for sampling bias. Prospective study comparing local and general anesthesia for stapes surgery is needed.

Surgical treatment of otosclerosis using a unique stapes prosthesis without a hook.

BACKGROUND: During stapes surgery, the Teflon wire piston prosthesis is prone to postoperative 'slips' and subsequent necrosis and fracture of the long process of the incus. AIMS/OBJECTIVE: We invented and used a novel cup-shaped apatite prosthesis to reduce the incidence of necrosis of the long process of the incus and analysed the postoperative results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one ears in 25 patients with otosclerosis who underwent stapes surgery with our apatite prosthesis were evaluated. RESULTS: The air conduction improved by 24.0 dB (the average) from pre- to post-operation. Additionally, 84.8% of patients achieved an air-bone gap of ≤10 dB for the 4-frequency measurements (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that our new prosthesis was associated with a good postoperative prognosis in patients with otosclerosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Our unique prosthesis yielded good outcomes for the treatment of otosclerosis even in the short term.

Wideband absorbance pattern in adults with otosclerosis and ossicular chain discontinuity.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence from previous literature had shown that the use of a single frequency probe tone is not sensitive enough to detect middle ear pathologies, especially related to the ossicles, which hinders accurate diagnosis. The goal of the present study was to compare the outcome of wideband absorbance (WBA) tympanometry and to determine the difference in WBA pattern in adults with otosclerosis and ossicular chain discontinuity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estimated adult cases of otosclerosis (10 ears) and ossicular chain discontinuity (06 ears) along with healthy individuals (10 ears) in the age range of 24 to 48 years (mean age: 38.6 years) were considered for the study. WBA was measured at peak and ambient pressure along with resonance frequency and compared with the data obtained from the healthy individuals to determine the WBA pattern. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed a distinct WBA pattern showing high absorbance at 750 Hz for ossicular chain discontinuity compared to healthy individuals, whereas the otosclerosis group showed reduced absorbance (p < 0.05) at low frequencies (250 Hz to 1500 Hz). WBA measured at the peak and ambient pressure did not elicit any significant difference across the frequencies. Also, the average WBA tympanogram measured between 375 Hz and 2000 Hz showed a significant difference in ambient pressure only in the otosclerosis group. In comparison to healthy individuals (901 Hz), ossicular chain discontinuity showed a significant reduction in resonance frequency (674 Hz), whereas in cases with otosclerosis had higher resonance frequency (1445 Hz). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The present study showed different WBA patterns between the groups and the absorbance values were significantly different at the low frequencies. This suggests that WBA has the potential to differentiate ossicles related pathologies from normal and also between the ear with otosclerosis and ossicular chain discontinuity.

Stapes surgery with a persistent stapedial artery.

PURPOSE: To review surgical outcomes of stapes surgery for otosclerosis with persistence of the stapedial artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case review of a tertiary neurotology referral center of patient with otosclerosis undergoing primary stapes surgery between 2010 and 2017 found to have a persistent stapedial artery. Stapedectomy was performed with or without cauterization of the stapedial artery. The primary outcome measures include pre- and postoperative hearing as well complications. Hearing was measured by air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) pure-tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), and word recognition scores (WRS). Neurologic complications, including facial nerve function, were assessed. RESULTS: Four patients out of 853 with otosclerosis undergoing stapedectomy were found to have a persistence of the stapedial artery. Mean AC PTA was 55 dB preoperatively, and 24 dB postoperatively (p = .0041), while the ABG improved on average from 31 dB to 6 dB (p = .0014). Mean follow-up time was 32 months, and there were no significant complications. Facial nerve function was preserved in all patients (House-Brackmann grade I/VI). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a persistent stapedial artery, excellent hearing outcomes are achievable for otosclerosis via stapedectomy without an apparent increased risk of neurologic complication.

Comparison between Fluoroplastic and Platinum/Titanium Piston in Stapedotomy: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare hearing results of fluoroplastic (Teflon) Causse Loop Piston with platinum/titanium (Big Easy) Piston in patients who underwent stapedotomy due to otosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical trial study, Causse Loop Piston prosthesis was used in 76 ears and the Big Easy Piston prosthesis in 72 ears. The main outcomes were preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry and air-bone gap (ABG). RESULTS: Postoperative ABG closure was not significantly different between both groups. However, the Causse Loop Piston resulted in a significant improvement of the air conduction (AC) in frequencies of 250, 500, and 1,000 Hz. In addition, the improvement of speech reception threshold (SRT) was significantly higher in Causse Loop Piston group. CONCLUSION: We achieved similar postoperative ABG closure in short-term with both prostheses. However, at low frequencies, AC gain was higher in Causse Loop Piston group. In addition, patients in this group yielded better SRT.

Wideband acoustic immitance - Absorbance measurements in ears after stapes surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to thoroughly assess absorbance in ears after stapes surgery (stapedotomy/stapedectomy) and how stapes surgery affects wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) metrics. METHODS: Eighty-three otosclerotic ears were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. The analysis comprised: air-bone gap (ABG) and WAI which included absorbance measurements, resonance frequency assessment, low frequency tympanometry and metrics derived from these measures. RESULTS: Absorbance after stapes surgery changed considerably compared to otosclerotic ears before surgery and also differed from normal ears. Absorbance after stapes surgery revealed two significantly different plot types: single-low-frequency-peak absorbance and two-peaks absorbance. Stapes surgery reduced resonance frequency in majority of operated ears and increased static compliance in low frequency tympanometry. Static compliance difference was directly proportional to ABG improvement at low frequencies. Postoperative ABG at 250 Hz and 500 Hz was most commonly correlated with postoperative WAI parameters. ABG improvement at 3000 Hz and 4000 Hz was directly proportional to absorbance difference at ~3000 Hz and 4000 Hz. It influenced the width of the postoperative absorbance by shifting both sides of the plot (negative values shift the points of the plot toward lower frequencies) with the correlation being more pronounced in postoperative two-peaks absorbance type ears. CONCLUSIONS: Absorbance by itself is not sufficient for assessment of changes to middle function following stapes surgery, and should be complemented with other measures. WAI measurements including absorbance, resonance frequency assessment, low frequency tympanometry, and metrics derived from these measures combined with air-bone gap provide insight into mechano-acoustic changes in the middle-ear system as a result of stapes surgery.

Current Validated Medical Treatments: Pharmacologic Interventions.

The search for an effective medication that will eliminate tinnitus has a long history. Currently, no drugs exist that universally cure tinnitus. Pharmacologic interventions that have been investigated can be divided into those that attempt to eliminate the perception of tinnitus, and those that are designed to treat the negative comorbidities associated with tinnitus, thereby mitigating tinnitus' negative impact on quality of life. A third category of drugs can also be considered that addresses an identified pathologic condition that has tinnitus as an associated symptom (for example, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, migraine-associated vertigo). This third category is not addressed.