Stapedectomy is an operation to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a hereditary condition which causes the stapes bone in the middle ear to fuse in place.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 1 hour. You will usually have to stay in hospital overnight.
A cut is made inside the ear canal so the eardrum can be lifted and the fused stapes bone removed. A tiny hole (about 0.5 mm wide) is drilled into the wall of the inner ear to hold the end of a replacement ‘bone’ of plastic or metal. The hole is sealed with a clot of blood, a piece of fat from the earlobe, or a patch of dissolvable dressing. The eardrum is replaced and finally a wick is placed in the ear canal for 1–2 weeks while the cut heals.
After the operation, there is little discomfort, though it is common to feel slightly dizzy for 1–2 days. You will be able to return to work after about a week, but should avoid heavy lifting, diving and flying for 4–6 weeks.
The operation results in a big improvement in hearing in 85% of cases. Approximately 10% of people get very little benefit from the operation, and in up to 5% of people it can cause a permanent complete loss of hearing in the operated ear. For this reason, some people choose to use a hearing aid instead of having the operation.
The improvement in hearing is usually noticed as soon as the dressing is removed from the ear canal. In some cases, it may take a few days longer.
