Stapedius reflex after stapedectomy with preservation of the stapedius tendon.

Stapedectomy with preservation of the stapedius tendon was carried out on 25 patients. Impedance measurements confirm that the stapedius muscle does function thereafter. The results of stapedius reflex tests are shown by an x-y plotter on an Amplaid 702 for permanent records. The compliance of the drum is also increased by about 50 per cent. The characteristics of the reflex are reported and discussed as well as its clinical value. There is better speech discrimination and no pseudorecruitment.