A Search For Stapes Footplate Fixation In An Indian Population, Prehistoric And Historic

This study was made to find evidence of ear disease in ancient persons, special emphasis being placed upon otosclerosis with stapes footplate fixation which would have suggested hearing loss during the life of the individual. Specimens examined were from Indian burials in South Dakota, consisting of skulls from persons ranging from birth to over 40 years. Two hundred eleven of 221 were of sufficient age to have have stapedial fixation. Skull anomalies documented included exostoses in the auditory canals, benign bony tumors, evidence of ear infection, dental problems, evidence of trauma, and congenital defects.