[Measurement of quality of life following stapes surgery].

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to compare a German version of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) with the original English version and to describe quality of life following stapes surgery.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Audiometry and a questionnaire on handicap in various listening situations were used to assess 36 patients with otosclerosis before and 6 months after stapes surgery. The GBI was used to estimate the change in quality of life following surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperative air-bone gap closure was <10 dB in 71% of patients. The postoperative air conduction threshold was <30 dB in 48% of patients. Using the GBI, the mean benefit score was 28 and the general benefit score 42. The social support and physical health scores were both zero. Where the postoperative improvement in air conduction was >15 dB, a significant reduction in handicap in everyday life, watching TV, listening to the radio and making telephone calls was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The German version of the GBI showed an improvement in quality of life in various everyday situations following stapes surgery.