Inappropriate Use of the “Rosowski Criteria” and “Modified Rosowski Criteria” for Assessing the Normal Function of the Middle Ear

Background

Research by Rosowski et al [2004, Twenty Seventh Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, page 275] has led to a standard practice from the American Society for Testing Materials (F2504 – 05, Reapproved 2014) for use in temporal bone studies and interoperative investigations of middle ear actuators and sensors, including the development of novel cochlear-implant microphones. In particular, the practice introduced criteria for assessing the normal function of the middle ear based on laser vibrometry. Rosowki et al (2007, Audiology & Neurotology, 12, 265-276) have since suggested that the original criteria are too restrictive and have proposed modified criteria.

Objective

Our aim was to demonstrate that both the original and modified criteria are inappropriate for assessing individual middle ears.

Methods

The study involved a statistical assessment of the criteria and reanalysis of middle ear transfer functions from studies on which the criteria are based.

Results

We show that the original criteria and modified are statistically inappropriate and internally inconsistent with the data used to form them.

Conclusions

Whilst the standard practice has led to the collection of more extensive and consistent data, the existing criteria should not be used to assess the condition of individual middle ears. We suggest that it is now opportune for groups to pool data so that the Rosowski Criteria can be suitably modified.