To statistically analyse the hearing thresholds of two cohorts undergoing stapedotomy for otosclerosis with two different prostheses.

A retrospective study was conducted comparing NiTiBOND (n = 53) and Nitinol (n = 38) prostheses.

Average follow-up duration was 4.1 years for NiTiBOND and 4.4 years for Nitinol prostheses. The post-operative air–bone gap was 10 dB or less, indicating clinical success. The p-values for differences between (1) pre- and post-operative values in the NiTiBOND group, (2) pre- and post-operative values in the Nitinol group, (3) pre-operative values and (4) post-operative values in the two groups were: air–bone gap – p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.631 and p = 0.647; four-frequency bone conduction threshold – p = 0.076, p = 0.129, p < 0.001 and p = 0.005; four-frequency air conduction threshold – p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.043 and p = 0.041; three-frequency (1, 2 and 4 kHz) bone conduction threshold pre-operatively – p = 0.639, p = 0.495, p = 0.001 and p = 0.01; and air conduction threshold at 4 kHz: – p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.03 and p = 0.058.

Post-operative audiological outcomes for NiTiBOND and Nitinol were comparable.

Our aim was to determine if stapes surgery is useful for treating inflammatory ear diseases.

Thirteen patients underwent single-stage or staged surgery for stapes fixation due to tympanosclerosis alone or with cholesteatoma. Operative criteria were: no tympanic membrane retraction, perforation or adhesion; middle-ear cavity with aeration >1 year; a fixed stapes. Computed tomography was used to analyse the relation between operative success and pre-operative pneumatisation.

Success rate at six months was 75 per cent. Hearing results were stable with little deterioration and no complications. Patients with poor pneumatisation had good results (with improved air–bone gap) only after staged surgery. Well-aerated ears heard better even with single-stage surgery.

Pre-operative computed tomography and intra-operative findings are necessary to determine the pneumatisation status of tympanic mastoid cavities. If criteria approved, poorly pneumatised patients underwent staged surgery. Stapedectomy achieved good hearing results for inflammatory middle-ear disease with stapes fixation.