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Stapedectomy
4-minute read
What is a stapedectomy?
A stapedectomy is a procedure to improve your hearing by replacing your stapes bone with an implant made of metal or plastic.
What are the benefits?
Your conductive hearing loss should get better so you should not need a hearing aid.
Are there any alternatives?
A normal hearing aid or a bone-anchored hearing aid can often help you hear better.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used.
The procedure usually takes an hour to 90 minutes.
Your surgeon will perform the procedure either through a small cut in front of your ear or through a cut around your ear canal inside your ear.
Your surgeon will remove the top part of the stapes bone, leaving the base or footplate that connects to your inner ear. They will use a drill or laser to make a small hole in the base and then fit the implant, connecting it to the incus.
They may place a small pack in your ear canal.
How can I prepare myself for the procedure?
If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.
Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.
Regular exercise should help you prepare for the procedure, help you recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.
What complications can happen?
Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some may be serious and can even be life threatening.
General complications of any procedure
- bleeding
- allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication
- venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- chest infection
Specific complications of this procedure
- complete loss of hearing
- worse hearing
- dizziness
- tinnitus
- change of taste
- facial weakness
- infection of the surgical site (wound)
- allergic reaction to the pack material
- failed procedure
Consequences of this procedure
- pain
- scarring of your skin
What happens after the procedure?
You may be able to go home the same day.
You should be able to return to work after about 2 weeks.
Do not blow your nose for a few days.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a good recovery and their hearing improves. You will need to come back after 2 to 3 weeks to have the pack removed.
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