Otosclerosis in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on the changing patterns of presentation of otosclerosis over the past 37 years. Retrospective chart review. Private otology practice. Randomized selection of 400 patients (100 per decade) from 15,372 who underwent stapedectomy over the past four decades. Extent of cochlear involvement, bilaterality of disease, length of history, degree of hearing loss, and pathological findings are noted. The decreasing incidence of footplates necessitating drillouts is discussed. Changing audiometric patterns at presentation such as decreased pure-tone average hearing thresholds and smaller air-bone gaps are also reviewed. This review demonstrates the changing patterns of presentation of otosclerosis over the past 37 years and will help guide the stapes surgeon into the year 2000.