Clinical treatment and medical evaluation of the civil airline pilots with otosclerosis

Objective To explore the clinical treatment and medical evaluation standard for the airline pilots with otosclerosis. Methods The clinical treatment and prognosis of 3 East China airline pilots, who were diagnosed as otosclerosis, were reviewed. The clinical diagnosis and medical evaluation methods of the disease were analyzed and discussed. Results All 3 cases showed progressive monaural hearing loss but without vertigo. Their pure tone audiometry showed conductive deafness. The stapes otosclerosis was definite diagnosed by high-resolution CT scan on the temporal bone of 3 pilots. Two cases were taken conservative treatment and were qualified. Another case was cured by laser stapes resection and artificial stapes implantation. His hearing well recovered and no more surgical complications were found by 3 months follow-up. Then he was qualified in accordance with a waiver of standards. Conclusions Early progressive hearing loss of speech frequency of airline pilots should be regarded more. The pure tone audiometry in every six months and the high-resolution CT scan on temporal bone are suggested. Three months or even longer follow-up is necessary and the assessments under hyperbaric/hypobaric environment would be introduced for the pilot treated by stapes resection surgery. Key words: Otosclerosis; Stapes surgery; Diagnosis; Eligibility determination; Civil pilots