Effect of CO² laser stapedotomy on tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis and predictive role of audiological features

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of CO 2 laser stapedotomy and analyze the influence of audiometric factors on the evolution of tinnitus. Study design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: 151 ears (139 patients, 17 years to 74 years) underwent Laser-Intervention: CO 2 laser stapedotomy procedure for otosclerosis. Results: The incidence of preoperative tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis in our cohort is 51.7%, with a complete disappearance in 61% of the cases. We haven't found any statistically significant results between the resolution of tinnitus after surgery and the hearing result pre and postoperatively (BC, AC, ABG, SRT, and WRS). On the other hand, we haven't found any audiometric predictive factors of the effects of surgery on tinnitus. We have seen a tendency to have more tinnitus regarding the number of laser shots, but the results aren't statistically significant. Conclusion: Stapedotomy may also improve tinnitus in most of the patients with a diagnostic of otosclerosis. The tinnitus status does not appear to be related to the preoperative or postoperative audiometric results