Stapedotomy is a delicate ear surgery performed to improve hearing in patients suffering from otosclerosis — a condition where abnormal bone growth around the stapes (a small bone in the middle ear) prevents sound vibrations from passing to the inner ear. The procedure involves creating a small hole in the fixed stapes bone and inserting a prosthesis to restore normal sound conduction, leading to significant hearing improvement.
Common symptoms that may indicate the need for stapedotomy include:
Stapedotomy is usually required when hearing loss occurs due to:
During a stapedotomy, the surgeon works under a microscope to carefully remove part of the immobile stapes bone and replace it with a tiny prosthetic device that transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and usually takes about 1–2 hours. Most patients are discharged the same day or after an overnight stay. Hearing improvement is often noticeable within a few weeks after the surgery.
Although otosclerosis cannot be fully prevented, early diagnosis and proper care can help slow its progression and preserve hearing: