Fenestra ovalis for otosclerotic deafness; an adjunct to stapes mobilization.

In April, 1952, and in several communications since, * I described a new technique for stapes mobilization which restored the hearing in otosclerotic patients from levels of 50-60 db. loss to 30 db. and up to normal hearing levels. With few exceptions, these patients have since maintained their hearing improvements. The first patient, whose rigid stapes was mobilized April 3, 1952, attained a hearing level of 0-5 db., which has been maintained to date. A comprehensive report was made in 19558 on this work, with an analysis of results, indications, audiological findings, functional goals, etc. Since 1952, many distinguished otologists here and abroad, using the Rosen technique in about 8000 cases,● have corroborated these findings. In the Rosen technique of stapes mobilization, the lower half of the drum (and adjoining skin) is lifted out of its sulcus, folded upward upon itself, and 2-3 mm. of the bony edge of the posterior