Abstract
Misdirection of the stapedial muscle after recovery of facial palsy and concomitant contraction of the muscle with facial spasms were studied to determine the effect of the muscle contraction on sound transmission. Fifteen ears revealed hearing loss between 5 and 15 dB at low frequencies; 4 patients showed a 20 to 35 dB loss. Contraction of the stapedial muscle seems to have a significant effect on hearing loss.
