Stapedectomy (Repair of the Stapes)

This surgery is used to treat otosclerosis, a disease of the middle ear bones and sometimes the inner ear. Otosclerosis occurs more commonly in women than in men and can be hereditary.

Otosclerosis may start by affecting the final link in the middle ear transformer chain called the stapes. The stapes rests in a small groove called the oval window, which comes in close contact with inner ear fluids. For individuals with stapedial otosclerosis, conductive hearing loss may be present.

Those who undergo a stapedectomy often return home the same evening or the next day after surgery. Depending on occupational requirements, most can return to work in a week. Hearing improvement may be apparent within the first four weeks after the surgery is completed. For those who are not candidates for surgery, a hearing aid or aids may work as an alternative.