Otosclerosis

What is Otosclerosis?

There are many potential causes of conductive hearing loss. Otosclerosis is a condition in which the stapes bone becomes fixated by abnormal bone growth over time. This condition results in a conductive hearing loss that can become severe over time. Otosclerosis can usually be diagnosed with an otolaryngology examination and hearing test.

Treatments

The hearing can be restored with a surgical procedure called stapedectomy. Hearing aids can be helpful in patients who do not desire surgical treatment.

Stapedectomy

Stapes fixation due to otosclerosis or other causes can be corrected with a surgical procedure called stapedectomy. The procedure is an outpatient surgery that takes 30 to 40 minutes. It is performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgery is performed through the ear canal.

How The Surgery Works

The non-functioning stapes bone is removed and replaced with an artificial implant.

an image of the stapes bones

Stapes bone fixated (right ear).

an image of the stapes bone replaced with implant

Stapes bone replaced with implant (right ear).

After Care

Post-Op Care

Antibiotic ear drops are used in the ear after surgery. Regular activities are started the next day. Patients are typically seen 3 weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing and a hearing test is performed.

How Long Does the Surgical Correction Last?

The hearing implant typically lasts for the life of the patient. In a small number of cases, the implant function may decrease over time. In these cases, revision surgery can often restore the hearing again.