A reevaluation of the 512-Hz Rinne tuning fork test as a patient selection criterion for laser stapedotomy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to challenge the classical hypothesis that a negative preoperative 512-Hz Rinne tuning fork test (bone conduction greater than air conduction) is a necessary condition to allow consistent objective and subjective hearing improvement with surgery for otosclerosis.

STUDY

DESIGN

The study design was retrospective (chart review and questionnaire).

SETTING

The study was conducted at a Florida Ear and Sinus Center at Sarasota, Florida, a tertiary otology-neurotology referral center.

PATIENTS: Patients who underwent primary laser stapedotomy with equivocal (air=bone) preoperative 512-Hz Rinne test results participated.

INTERVENTION: KTP laser stapedotomy was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Audiologic measurements of air-bone gap closure and patient assessment of hearing improvement and satisfaction were conducted.

RESULTS

The air-bone gap was closed to within 10 dB in all cases. There were no complications. Eighteen patients were questioned about their results. Hearing improvement was subjectively described as "excellent" or "good" by 17 (94%), and 16 (89%) thought the surgery was "absolutely" worthwhile.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative 512-Hz Rinne test results need not be negative to achieve significant air-bone gap closure and subjective appreciation of improved hearing.