Stapedectomy
What is a Stapedectomy?
Stapedectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat hearing loss caused by a condition called otosclerosis, which affects the small bone (stapes) in the middle ear.
The Stapedectomy procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that removes the fused bone in the middle ear and replaces it with a small titanium prosthesis. In most cases, it helps restore the patient’s hearing without the need for a hearing aid. The procedure takes place in an outpatient surgery center, and takes about an hour to perform. Patients can go home the same day after the surgery, the recovery period is short, and patients usually notice improvement in hearing within a week after surgery.
Are You a Candidate for Stapedectomy?
The FDA has different candidacy requirements for adults versus children.
Adults:
-Severe-to-profound, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (greater than or equal to 70 dB HL).
-Deafness in adults who were previously hearing with normal speech before the onset of severe or profound hearing loss.
-Limited benefit from appropriately fitted hearing aid
Children:
-Profound, bilateral nerve hearing loss
-Use of appropriately fitted hearing aids for at least 6 months in children 2 through 17 years of age, or at least 3 months in children 12 through 23 months of age.
-Little or no benefit from appropriately fitted hearing aids.
What is the difference between Stapedectomy and Stapedotomy?
A Stapedectomy is the original procedure used to treat otosclerosis. It involves removing the entire stapes bone and replacing it with a prosthesis. Over time, the procedure has become more minimally invasive. With the laser becoming more commonplace in the OR, surgeons have found that the Stapedotomy procedure produces similar results and safer outcomes when compared to Stapedectomy. The Stapedotomy procedure uses the laser to create a small opening at the base of the stapes. Instead of removing the entire stapes bone, only the top half is removed and the base is preserved. The prosthesis is then positioned into the hole that was created with the laser, and the piston-like mechanism of the stapes is restored.
What happens during Stapedectomy?
Stapedectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed under magnification to address conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis.
It aims to restore hearing by replacing the immobilized stapes bone with a prosthetic device, allowing sound vibrations to be transmitted more effectively to the inner ear.
Removal of Stapes
The surgeon removes a portion or the entire stapes bone from the middle ear.
Replacement with Prosthesis
The stapes bone is replaced with a prosthetic device made of materials like plastic, metal, or Teflon. This prosthesis is designed to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear more effectively than the original stapes bone.
Improvement in Hearing
By replacing the immobilized stapes with a prosthesis, the surgeon aims to restore the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear, thereby improving hearing.
Microsurgery
Stapedectomy is typically performed under a microscope to allow for precise surgical techniques in the delicate structures of the middle ear.
How soon after the surgery will I be able to hear again?
The timeline for hearing recovery after a Stapedectomy can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual healing capacity, and the underlying cause of hearing loss.
While some patients may notice immediate improvements in hearing after a Stapedectomy, it’s common for hearing recovery to occur gradually over several weeks to months as the ear heals and adjusts to the changes made during the surgery. Regular communication with your healthcare team and adherence to post-operative care instructions are essential for optimizing your recovery and hearing outcomes.
Typically their hearing continues to improve over time as they continue to gain experience listening to sounds and speech.
Still have questions regarding the condition?
While the information in this website may be helpful, it will never fully relate ear treatment to you. If you are facing any ear problem, please call our office and one of our representatives will talk to you.
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