Hearing loss can cause you to miss the sounds of life, the laughter of your loved ones, and the magic of music. Particularly ear ringing that emerges at a young age and slowly progressing hearing loss may be due to calcification of the stapes bone called otosclerosis. If you’re experiencing the dilemma of “surgery or hearing aid?”, a permanent, surgical solution is possible with Otosclerosis Surgery (Stapedectomy/Stapedotomy)! At our private clinic in Istanbul, our otosclerosis surgery offered with experienced ENT and Head-Neck Surgery specialists and microsurgical equipment reopens the natural hearing pathway, clarifying sounds and bringing your quality of life to the highest level.

What is Otosclerosis Surgery?

Otosclerosis is conductive hearing loss that occurs as a result of reduced mobility of the stapes (stirrup) bone, which transmits vibrations to the inner ear, due to abnormal bone growth.

With Stapedectomy / Stapedotomy surgery:

  • Part of the calcified stapes bone is removed or a small hole is made.
  • Sound vibrations are transmitted to the cochlea by placing a thin prosthetic implant (metal/plastic mixture).
  • The goal is to bring the hearing threshold to near-normal levels and balance inner ear pressure.

Why Choose Otosclerosis Surgery?

  • Permanent Hearing Improvement: Natural hearing by opening the sound pathway with surgery, not hearing aids
  • No Pain or Long Recovery Time: Minimally invasive operation with microsurgical techniques
  • Tinnitus Reduction: Significant improvement chance in ear ringing
  • Quick Return to Daily Life: Adaptation to social life within 1-2 days in most cases
  • High Success Rate: Over 90% conductive loss improvement in suitable candidates
  • Increased Quality of Life: Comfort of clearly hearing speech, music, and environmental sounds

Who Are Candidates for Otosclerosis Surgery?

  • Ages 20-50: Otosclerosis usually begins in young adults
  • Those with Detected Conductive Hearing Loss: Bone-air gap ≥ 20 dB in pure tone audiogram
  • Positive Schwartze Sign: Clinical specific findings
  • No Health Conditions Preventing Hearing: No chronic ear infection or malleus/incus involvement
  • Realistic Expectations: Those aiming for “close to original” hearing recovery after surgery

Note: Detailed additional evaluation is required for those with unilateral hearing loss in one ear, balance problems, or vestibular symptoms.

Pre-Surgery Preparation Process

1. Detailed Consultation & Audiology

Conductive loss is detected with pure tone audiogram and tympanometry.

2. High-Resolution CT

Detailed examination of middle ear bone structures, surgical strategy determination.

3. General Health Assessment

Blood tests, EKG, and internal medicine/cardiology approval if necessary.

4. Surgical Planning

Stapes prosthesis type, access (endonasal vs. retroauricular approach), and anesthesia selection are clarified.

5. Information & Motivation

Procedure steps, risks (temporary balance effects, taste and ringing risk), and recovery process are transparently explained.

How is Otosclerosis Surgery Performed?

1. Anesthesia

Started with local + sedation or short general anesthesia comfort.

2. Access

Small incision behind ear or microscopic intracanal approach.

3. Stapes Correction

Calcified stapes head is removed; stapedotomy is followed.

4. Prosthesis Placement

Implant of appropriate length and material is placed, sound transmission is provided.

5. Control & Closure

Middle ear air chamber is tested with gas or solution; closure with fine sutures.

6. Operation Duration

45-90 minutes; surgery with microscopic precision.

The Importance of Doctor Selection

Otosclerosis surgery requires millimetric precision and a specialist who knows middle ear anatomy:

  • ENT / Head-Neck Surgery Specialist: Stapedotomy certified, experienced in otoscopic and microsurgery
  • Microscopic Equipment: Working with high-resolution surgical microscope and endoscope
  • Multidisciplinary Coordination: Coordinated planning with audiologist, radiologist, and anesthesia team
  • Empathetic Communication: Comprehensive information about hearing loss and risks, realistic expectation management

Surgery Day: What Awaits You?

1. Morning Preparations & Anesthesia Consultation

Vital measurements, sedation or general anesthesia briefing.

2. Surgical Process

45-90 minute microscopic stapedotomy; you can receive live “progress” information from your surgeon.

3. Recovery and Initial Observation

Operating room exit, tape dressing, and monitoring with ear protective tampon for a while.

4. Transfer to Ward and Hospitalization

Standard: 1 night; 2-night monitoring option in Premium.

5. Discharge Instructions

Rest in head-up position, pool and diving restrictions, 1-week antibiotic/analgesic use plan.

Recovery Process

  • Days 1-7: Mild ear fullness, ringing, and dizziness may occur; controlled with prescribed medication.
  • 2 Weeks: First check-up, dressing and tampon removal; hearing threshold measured with tympanometry.
  • 1 Month: Hearing becomes stable again; mild ringing mostly subsides.
  • 3-6 Months: Maximum hearing gain after prosthesis adaptation and bone healing.
  • 1 Year: Hearing preservation and balance monitored with annual check-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be surgical scars?

The incision behind the ear is thin and hidden in the ear curve, so it’s not noticeable from outside.

2. Will hearing become completely normal?

In over 90% of patients, conductive loss improves by an average of 20-30 dB; may not be completely normal.

3. Will I experience balance problems?

Temporary dizziness may occur; risk is minimal with vestibular protective techniques.

4. Might repeat surgery be needed?

Revision is planned in rare cases; it’s at minimal level with correct prosthesis selection and follow-up.

5. When can I return to water sports?

After 6 weeks, free after avoiding pressure changes like airplane and diving.