Otosclerosis surgery: reassessment of its value in 1978.

Today, surgical correction is the treatment of choice for the hearing loss associated with footplate otosclerosis. Experience with stapes surgery reveals this to be functionally and economically superior to the long-term use of hearing aids. There is, however, a predictable rate of surgical complications. Sensorineural hearing loss, dizziness and/or facial nerve palsy have an immense social and economic impact upon the patient, the family and the surgeon. Otosclerosis surgery will be presented in the perspective of benefits, untoward results, and alternate forms of treatment. A cost analysis of the foregoing will shed light on the future of otosclerosis surgery.