Hearing loss with stapedotomy and treated otitis media.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if treated Pseudomonas aeruginosa otitis media (PA OM) increases the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with stapedotomy.

STUDY DESIGN AND

SETTING

PA OM was induced in 28 guinea pigs. Half of the animals underwent unilateral stapedotomy before antibiotic therapy (untreated), and half underwent stapedotomy after treatment (treated). Control animals underwent saline injections followed by stapedotomy. Electrocochleographic thresholds were measured before and after stapedotomy. Temporal bones were analyzed histomorphologically.

RESULTS

Less SNHL was seen after stapedotomy in treated ears than in untreated ears (P = 0.0268). SNHL after stapedotomy in treated ears was similar to controls (P = 0.9370). Severe damage to cochlear outer hair cells was found in untreated ears.

CONCLUSIONS

Ears with PA OM treated previously are not at increased risk of SNHL with stapedotomy.

SIGNIFICANCE: Stapedotomy may be carried out with caution in the setting of inactive, chronic OM.