Stapedectomy

Stapedectomy: surgery to restore hearing

A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure used to restore hearing in people with certain types of hearing loss. The name of the procedure comes from the Latin words "stapes" (stirrup) and "ectomia" (removal), indicating its main goal - to remove old or damaged bone structure in the ear and replace it with a prosthesis.

The stapes is one of three bones in the ear, including the malleus and incus. It plays an important role in transmitting sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear. However, sometimes it is stapes that suffers, which leads to hearing impairment.

Stapedectomy is one of the most common middle ear surgeries performed to correct problems such as ossification of the stapes, abnormal bone growth, or other damage to the stapes. The procedure uses microscopic instrumentation to create small holes in the middle ear to remove the damaged stapes and insert a prosthesis.

After a stapedectomy, patients typically experience significant improvement in their hearing. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are risks and limitations. Some of the possible complications include loss of taste, dizziness, and tinnitus.

When planning a stapedectomy, it is important to discuss all possible risks and benefits with your surgeon and otolaryngologist. In addition, patients must follow all recommendations and instructions to ensure the best results after surgery.

In conclusion, stapedectomy is an effective method for restoring hearing in patients with certain types of hearing loss. Although the procedure can be a little scary, it can be a crucial step towards improving your quality of life. If you have hearing problems, contact your audiologist to learn more about stapedectomy and other treatments.