Stapedectomy vs. Stapedotomy: Which Hearing Surgery Is Right for You?

Hearing loss is common, affecting over 50 million Americans to some degree. Many people have noise-related or age-related hearing loss, but there are many varied causes. One type of conductive hearing loss is otosclerosis, abnormal growth around the middle ear bones.

Otosclerosis surgery options include stapedectomy and stapedotomy, both often provided as outpatient procedures with high rates of success. NCSH is a trusted facility for ENT specialists and procedures like these.

Understanding Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a type of conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a structural problem that interferes with the transmission of sound vibrations from the outer to the inner ear.

The middle ear transmits vibrations from the eardrum through three small bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes. Otosclerosis occurs when abnormal bone growth around the stapes prevents it from vibrating and transmitting sound waves.

The exact causes of otosclerosis are unknown, but there is a genetic component. Many people diagnosed with it have a family history. Symptoms of otosclerosis include gradual hearing loss in one and then the other ear, tinnitus, balance issues, and dizziness.

Stapedectomy & Stapedotomy: What You Need to Know

While a hearing aid may initially help someone with otosclerosis hear better, most patients eventually need hearing loss surgery. Two types of middle ear bone surgery are options for treating this condition. The goal of both procedures is to restore movement in the bones of the middle ear, so sound vibrations can move through them to the inner ear.

Stapedectomy

During a stapedectomy, the surgeon removes the stapes footplate and replaces the natural bone with a prosthetic piece. He or she lifts the eardrum out of the way to access the middle ear and puts it back in place after situating the prosthetic. This procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia.

Stapedotomy

A stapedotomy procedure is similar but does not remove the entire stapes footplate. Instead, the surgeon uses a laser or microdrill to make a small hole in the stapes.

He or she then inserts a prosthetic that moves and allows the middle ear components to vibrate and continue sending signals to the inner ear. Stapedotomy is also called small fenestra (window) stapedotomy.

Stapedectomy vs. Stapedotomy: Key Differences

These two procedures are very similar surgical options for hearing loss caused by otosclerosis. Your ENT specialist is the best person to help you decide which procedure is right for you. To make an informed decision along with your physician, it’s important to understand the key differences:

• Improved hearing. Both procedures have good success rates and help patients hear better. Some studies show that stapedotomy leads to greater improvements for hearing at higher frequencies.
• Complications. Both procedures are safe and unlikely to cause serious complications. There is some evidence that stapedotomy carries a lower risk of complications.
• Recovery times. Stapedectomy recovery and stapedotomy recovery are similar. Both require you to take about a week before resuming most normal activities. Your doctor may tell you to wait a little longer to resume any activities that involve heavy lifting or that are strenuous.

Choosing the Right Surgery at NCSH

Because these types of ear surgery for hearing loss are so similar, the outcomes often depend more on the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure. If you have otosclerosis and hearing loss, the best next step is to consult with an experienced ENT, also known as an otolaryngologist.

NCSH is a specialty hospital. When you choose to have surgical treatment for otosclerosis, you benefit from the experienced team of ENT doctors with special training who collaborate with each other. Our patient-centered care model means you will be an engaged partner in the entire process.

Read more here about our ENT team, the procedures they offer, and your surgical options for hearing loss.