Abstract Otology 2000 A15-4

Aruna Visvanathan M.B., M.S., F.A.G.E.

Vikram Hospital & Ear Research Inst IND-R.S. Puram, Coimbatore

The stapedius tendon is routinely sectioned during stapes surgery. Preservation of stapedius tendon has several advantages including protection from acoustic trauma and better hearing in a noisy situation. Some of the other functions of the stapedius include decreasing the middle ear resonance, improving noise localisation, and regulating inner ear operations. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the middle ear reflex serves to reduce a temporary threshold shift caused by fatigue. This report reviews our technique of stapedius tendon preservation in both mechanical and laser stapes procedures. Our institute being a referral centre in an area endemic for otosclerosis, has facilitated a long term study of hearing results with and without tendon preservation. Demonstration of our technique of tendon preservation should enhance the myriad technical nuances of stapes surgery.