[Importance of the stapedial reflex in the diagnosis of several pathologies].

The stapedius muscle plays an important role in auditory physiology. Its function may be assessed using a test named impedancemetry, where its reflex is measured. For the stapedial reflex to function, it is necessary that the middle ear and the afferent and efferent pathways are intact. Several pathologies of the middle and internal ear, as well as other otoneurological disorders and systemic illnesses, may change the physiology of the stapedius muscle. This review has incorporated various bibliographic sources with the objective to show the modifications of the stapedial reflex in several types of pathology. It reveals that the research of the stapedial reflex as well as its interpretation constitute a very important diagnostic supplement in the clinical audiology.