Comparing the Quality of Life and Hearing Thresholds Following Stapedectomy Versus Laser Stapedotomy with NiTiBOND Piston.

The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of life (QoL) and hearing thresholds of patients who underwent 2 types of stapes surgery. A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing stapedotomy with NiTiBOND prostheses (n=20) and stapedectomy with autogenous cortical bone columella (n=20), applying the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults outcome measures with hearing thresholds. Univariate comparative statistical methods were applied. The stapedotomy cohort had significantly better values of Social Support Score of the GBI as compared to the stapedectomy cohort (P=.016). No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in the pre- and postoperative audiological results and the further QoL measures. Apart from the excellent postoperative audiological results of the different types of stapes surgeries, stapedotomy with NiTiBOND prostheses seems to be superior as regards QoL over stapedectomy applying autogenous cortical bone columella.