Gellé Test with Békésy Audiometry: IV: Findings in Otosclerosis

Abstract

Three preceding papers on the audiometric Gellé test were devoted to the discussion of method and procedure, normal values, as well as the findings in salpingitis. Observations on otosclerotic patients are reported in the present study. As an essential finding, it could be confirmed that otosclerosis abolishes the threshold shift when the effect of altered meatal air pressure is measured by bone conduction. In contrast, air conduction behaves in a more regular manner, continuing to respond to the pressure changes. Comparing the findings of the Gellé test by AC and BC, three prototypes of abnormal results could be distinguished. They appear to reflect the following conductive lesions: slight to moderate ossicular fixation; complete fixation; as well as the combination of stapedial fixation with tubal obstruction.