Cochlear and Vestibular Disturbances After Stapediolysis

Abstract

The post-operative course after stapediolysis was followed by means of positional nystagmography and bone-conduction audiograms. In 70 per cent it was possible to demonstrate positional nystagmus. A decrease was shown to take place for the frequency of 4000 Hz; this decrease was of distinctly longer duration in cases with positional nystagmus. These signs of labyrinthine irritation have, as a rule, disappeared after one week. After six weeks the bone-conduction value for 4000 Hz rose, on an average, by 6 db, which clearly demonstrates that the surgical technique applied (according to Frenckner-Holmgren) caused only a transient labyrinthine effect.