Otosclerosis treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Mild cases may be addressed successfully with a hearing aid. In select cases, surgery can help improve the hearing.
Otosclerosis surgery is called a stapedectomy (stay-puh-dek-tuh-mee). During this procedure, your surgeon places a prosthesis (replacement hearing bone) in your middle ear. This prosthesis bypasses the stapes bone, allowing sound waves to travel to the inner ear. As a result, hearing is improved. If otosclerosis is affecting both of your ears, your surgeon will operate on one ear at a time. Once the first surgery is complete, you’ll probably have to wait at least six months to schedule the other procedure.
Like any surgical procedure, a stapedectomy carries the risk of complications. While the procedure helps about 80% to 90% of people with otosclerosis, it may not be successful in some cases. In rare instances, hearing may even be worse after surgery. So, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about the possible risks and limitations of otosclerosis surgery.
Most people who have a stapedectomy can return to normal routines in about one week. However, if your job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take up to one month off of work. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider what to expect if you’re about to undergo a stapedectomy.
