Hearing loss as a complication of stapes surgery.

During a 10-year period (1984-1994) 1229 stapes operations for otosclerosis were performed at our respective institutions by experienced surgeons well trained in the various techniques. Procedures included 691 stapedectomies, 234 small-fenestrae stapedotomies, and 304 revision operations. These primary and revision cases resulted in 20 ears with severe sensorineural hearing loss or anacusis noted during the immediate postoperative period.