At the present time there is unfortunate confusion in reporting the results of stapes mobilization surgery. As a possible remedy for this situation a method is proposed whereby the results of such surgery can be impartially analyzed. In fact all types of surgery aimed at correction of conductive auditory lesions can be objectively analyzed so that otologists may evaluate varying techniques and possibly cooperate in a standard method of reporting results.
It is understandable, but unfortunate, that the criteria of fenestration "success" have been carried over into the very different field of stapes surgery. Almost all otologists reporting results of stapes surgery have been impressed by the necessity of revising the method used in reporting fenestration results, but to date there has been no uniformity in the changes introduced, and consequently comparison of reports is difficult. This condition is particularly unfortunate since it tends to obscure the experiences of the