What is a stapedectomy?

A stapedectomy is a procedure in which the doctor removes all or part of the stapes and replaces it with tiny plastic or metal parts. The stapes (also called the stirrup) is a small, stirrup-shaped bone in the part of the ear called the middle ear. The stapes helps you hear by transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear.

When is it used?

This procedure is done when your hearing nerves are functioning well but you are not hearing well in one ear. The doctor may suspect that the stapes is kept from moving freely by an overgrowth of surrounding bone, a condition called otosclerosis. Replacing the stapes may help you hear better.

Examples of alternatives include:

• using a hearing aid

• choosing not to have treatment and living with your hearing loss.

You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for a stapedectomy?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation, especially if you are to have general anesthesia. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

Follow any instructions your doctor may give you. If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

No special preparation is needed for local anesthesia.

What happens during the procedure?

You will receive a local or general anesthetic. A local anesthetic is a drug that should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. If you have a local anesthetic, you may also be given a sedative to help you relax. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel as if you are in a deep sleep. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the operation.

The doctor will open the eardrum, explore your middle ear, remove all or part of the stapes, and insert an artificial stapes. The doctor will then repair the eardrum.

What happens after the procedure?

You may be in the hospital for a day, depending on your condition. Rest for the next couple of weeks while your ear is healing.

Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Hearing improves in over 95% of cases.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

• A local anesthetic may not numb the area enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia.

• After the operation, you may be dizzy or have ringing in your ear.

• If a nerve in your ear is bruised or damaged, you may have a limited sense of taste or a metallic taste on your tongue. These symptoms last longer than 6 months in about 5% of the people who have a stapedectomy.

• Your hearing may not significantly improve.

• You may have infection or bleeding.

• You may need surgery again in the future to tighten the artificial stapes and improve your hearing.

• Rarely, you may lose all hearing in that ear.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.

• You cannot stand up because of dizziness.

• You have drainage from your ear.

• You have uncontrollable pain.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.