Otosclerosis<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nMany of these conditions can be corrected via surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n
What Surgical Procedures Are Used to Treat Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\nStapedectomy<\/h3>\n\n\n
One of the most common types of surgical procedures is for the treatment of otosclerosis, an abnormal growth of bone on or around the stapes, the \u201cstirrup bone\u201d of the middle ear. This bony buildup prevents the stapes from vibrating as it normally would when stimulated by sound waves, causing hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The procedure, called a stapedectomy, involves removal of the stapes and replacement with an artificial prosthesis. Surgery is usually completed in 90 minutes or less, and often the patient is able to go home the same day. It may take a month or so for results to appear, as there will be swelling and bruising that can impede hearing initially.<\/p>\n\n\n
Myringotomy<\/h3>\n\n\n
Ear tubes are tiny cylinders, made from plastic or other materials, which are surgically inserted into the eardrum to provide ventilation and drainage for children who experience chronic ear infections. They are meant to remain in place from six months to as long as several years; at some point they will either fall out on their own or will need to be surgically removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The surgery, known as a myringotomy, is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Fluid behind the eardrum is suctioned out, a small incision is made in the eardrum, and the tube is inserted. The procedure is quick and painless, and usually takes no longer than 15 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myringotomy is a common and safe procedure, and complications are rare. Occasionally, patients will experience a perforation of the eardrum, scarring or infection.<\/p>\n\n\n
Tympanoplasty<\/h3>\n\n\n
Eardrum perforations are most often caused by infection, injury or Eustachian tube disorders. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum, as can inserting objects like bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own, some patients might need to undergo a surgical procedure called a tympanoplasty to repair the hole or tear in the eardrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Performed under general anesthesia, the hole in the eardrum is patched with a graft made of tissue from the ear or a man-made material. The surgeon will then place packing material on top of and behind the eardrum to keep the graft in place. Over several weeks the material will dissolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The surgery can take as little as 30 minutes or up to a few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n
Mastoidectomy<\/h3>\n\n\n
A middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. As the infection, known as mastoiditis spreads, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed. Growths and disease may also require mastoid surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A mastoidectomy involves drilling a hole in the mastoid bone and removing the infected air cells. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and many patients return home later the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afterward, your ears will be bandaged, and there may be stitches. You might experience headaches, discomfort and numbness. You\u2019ll likely be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics and will need to return after a few days to have your bandages and stitches removed. You\u2019ll need to keep your ear free of water and avoid strenuous activity or anything that might create pressure on your ear (e.g., airplane travel). <\/p>\n\n\n
Surgery to Remove Acoustic Neuromas<\/h3>\n\n\n
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. Though noncancerous and typically slow growing, it can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the tumor continues to grow and is causing symptoms, surgery may be needed. Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery involves removing the tumor through the inner ear or a window in the skull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, the entire tumor may not be able to be completely removed. This occurs when the tumor is too close to important parts of the brain or facial nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n
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