Stapedectomy is the preferred surgical procedure for severe otosclerosis. In this procedure, an incision is made above the ear to lift the eardrum and expose the hearing bones (ossicles). The stapes bone is partially or entirely removed and the other structures are put back into place.
This procedure is either done with a local anesthetic and sedative or under general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients are able to go home. Patients’ hearing may not improve immediately after the procedure due to packing placed inside the ear.
After one week, the packing should be removed by the doctor. Hearing tends to improve in a month or two, due to swelling and bruising of the ear. After about 2 months, the ear heals and hearing is significantly improved.
