Cochlear reserve in otosclerosis. A long-term follow-up study of fenestration cases.

In this long-term follow-up study of fenestration cases, a remarkable stability in sensorineural hearing levels is demonstrated. Since the focus of otosclerosis was not removed at the time of fenestration surgery, this bone conduction stability is an indication that the ear can withstand the presence of an otosclerotic lesion that produces stapes fixation for long periods of time without sensorineural deterioration. It would seem that the otosclerotic lesion in ears suitable for fenestration surgery has had little tendency to invade deeply into the cochlear capsule.