Narrowing of Low‐Frequency Air‐Bone Gap and Its Association with Symptom Resolution Following Superior Canal Dehiscence Repair

Abstract

ObjectiveLow‐frequency air‐bone gap (LABG) on pure tone audiometry is an expected clinical finding of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome. We investigate how narrowing of LABG following SCD repairs translates to symptom resolution.Study DesignCohort study.SettingTertiary Care Center.MethodsWe analyzed consecutive SCD repairs at an institution between 2012 and 2022. Pure tone audiometry and symptom questionnaires were administered pre‐ and post‐operatively. The independent variable assessed whether the LABG narrowed (≥5 dB) following surgery. Outcome measures were rates of Overall Symptom Improvement (OSI, net resolution of ≥1 symptom) and Symptom Resolution Score (SRS, % symptoms resolved). We conducted multivariable regression analyses with LABG narrowing as the primary predictor. All models controlled for demographics, bilateral disease, prior ear surgery, and follow‐up.ResultsAmong total of 217 repairs analyzed, 161 (74%) reached OSI, and mean SRS was 39 (out of 100). LABG narrowing at 250 Hz (65%), 500 Hz (52%), and 1000 Hz (47%) was associated with a 41‐point (β 95% confidence interval [CI] 5‐77) increase in auditory, 15‐point (β 95% CI 1‐30) increase in auditory, and 23‐point (β 95% CI 2‐45) increase in vestibular SRS, respectively. However, LABG narrowing was not significantly associated with the rates of auditory and vestibular OSI at all frequencies assessed.ConclusionLack of LABG narrowing following repair was associated with the persistence of a greater proportion of preoperative symptoms but similar likelihood of OSI. This relationship was more prominent for auditory symptoms at 250 to 500 Hz and for vestibular symptoms at 1000 Hz. Additional research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism through which symptoms resolve despite LABG persistence.