biostudies-literatureUnknown173(3)Jellema M<h4>Objective</h4>This study evaluated outcomes of stapes surgery in otosclerosis patients by assessing audiometric results and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Dutch Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 (SPOT-25) questionnaire. Additionally, the role of SPOT-25 in preoperative decision-making and as a follow-up tool was explored.<h4>Study design</h4>A prospective, multicenter cohort study.<h4>Setting</h4>One tertiary academic medical center and 3 secondary referral centers.<h4>Methods</h4>Data from 115 adult patients undergoing primary stapes surgery was analyzed. Audiometric outcomes were measured using pure-tone audiometry results and word recognition score (WRS). HRQOL was assessed using SPOT-25, Glasgow Health Status Questionnaire, and Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Pre- and postoperative outcomes were compared, and correlations between pure-tone audiometry results, WRS, and HRQOL were analyzed. Outcomes were compared between patients receiving 0.4 and 0.6 mm diameter pistons, and the impact of preoperative pure-tone audiometry results was analyzed.<h4>Results</h4>Significant postoperative improvements were observed in all audiometric measures (mean air conduction gain of 22 dB and air-bone gap (ABG) improvement of 18 dB). HRQOL also improved significantly (mean SPOT-25 score improved from 48 to 27). The 0.6 mm piston group had a significantly smaller postoperative ABG than the 0.4 mm group. Patients with a preoperative ABG ≤ 15 dB had a mean SPOT-25 gain of 19 (SD 22), whereas those with a preoperative ABG > 15 dB had a gain of 21 (SD 18).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Stapes surgery significantly improves hearing and HRQOL. The SPOT-25 is a valuable tool for evaluating HRQOL and may assist in preoperative decision-making in patients with varying hearing impairments.<h4>Level of evidence</h4>III.Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery697-704https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12379838biostudies-literaturePatient's Perspective and Change in Quality of Life After Stapes Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Trial.PMC12379838Stokroos RJThomeer HGXMJellema MWegner Ivan Waegeningh HFBlijleven EEHemler RJBBuwalda JfalsePatient's Perspective and Change in Quality of Life After Stapes Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Trial.<h4>Objective</h4>This study evaluated outcomes of stapes surgery in otosclerosis patients by assessing audiometric results and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Dutch Stapesplasty Outcome Test-25 (SPOT-25) questionnaire. Additionally, the role of SPOT-25 in preoperative decision-making and as a follow-up tool was explored.<h4>Study design</h4>A prospective, multicenter cohort study.<h4>Setting</h4>One tertiary academic medical center and 3 secondary referral centers.<h4>Methods</h4>Data from 115 adult patients undergoing primary stapes surgery was analyzed. Audiometric outcomes were measured using pure-tone audiometry results and word recognition score (WRS). HRQOL was assessed using SPOT-25, Glasgow Health Status Questionnaire, and Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Pre- and postoperative outcomes were compared, and correlations between pure-tone audiometry results, WRS, and HRQOL were analyzed. Outcomes were compared between patients receiving 0.4 and 0.6 mm diameter pistons, and the impact of preoperative pure-tone audiometry results was analyzed.<h4>Results</h4>Significant postoperative improvements were observed in all audiometric measures (mean air conduction gain of 22 dB and air-bone gap (ABG) improvement of 18 dB). HRQOL also improved significantly (mean SPOT-25 score improved from 48 to 27). The 0.6 mm piston group had a significantly smaller postoperative ABG than the 0.4 mm group. Patients with a preoperative ABG ≤ 15 dB had a mean SPOT-25 gain of 19 (SD 22), whereas those with a preoperative ABG > 15 dB had a gain of 21 (SD 18).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Stapes surgery significantly improves hearing and HRQOL. The SPOT-25 is a valuable tool for evaluating HRQOL and may assist in preoperative decision-making in patients with varying hearing impairments.<h4>Level of evidence</h4>III.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-05-10T01:51:29.238Z2026-04-08T01:25:41.84ZS-EPMC123798384034444110.1002/ohn.1298