What Is Otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis Stapedectomy

Restore Your Hearing

Get Help From Hearing Specialists

Otosclerosis is often caused when a bone in the middle ear, called the stapes, becomes stuck in place and unable to vibrate. You need the bones in your ear to vibrate in order to carry sound through the ear. Otosclerosis must be diagnosed by a hearing specialist such as an Light E.N.T. doctor or audiologist.

Otosclerosis is often treated with a surgical procedure called a stapedectomy. Dr. Light, the Light E.N.T. here at Light E.N.T., specializes in performing stapedectomy surgery. Often, we have patients travel from across the the country for him to perform this procedure. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Otosclerosis Symptoms May Include:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus/ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Vertigo (rare cases)

Your Hearing Matters!

Hearing loss is a very common health concern, and the right treatment depends on a range of factors. While you may be experiencing hearing loss, that doesn’t mean you necessarily have otosclerosis or need a surgical solution. However, you won’t know what’s causing your hearing loss until you get a diagnosis! Here at Light E.N.T., we have a team of both Light E.N.T. doctors and audiologists to diagnosis the cause and severity of your hearing loss.

You don’t have to suffer from untreated hearing loss — you have options! Contact us today to see if an otosclerosis stapedectomy is right for you.

What is the Treatment for Otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis can often be treated with surgery. This surgery is called a stapedectomy, which involves removing the stapes bone. After the stapes bone is removed, an implant manufactured out of Teflon and platinum is inserted to replace the stapes bone. This implant is incredibly small and serves to function as an artificial stapes.

Because of Dr. Light’s extensive experience and expertise performing stapedectomy surgery, patients often travel from out of town for him to do their surgery. Our office staff can assist in making arrangements in such circumstances.

What Is A Stapedectomy?

The laser stapedectomy is a procedure that permits the surgeon to operate without touching the stapes bone. An opening is made in the frozen stapes footplate and a prosthesis is inserted to allow sound waves to enter the inner ear which restores the sound conducting mechanism and the hearing.

There is very little bleeding or scarring in this procedure and patients go home several hours after surgery. Following surgery, the patient experiences little or no pain. Protective packing is left in the ear canal for 1 week after surgery. It is removed in the office one week after surgery, and patients will typically notice an immediate improvement in hearing.

Stapedectomy Recovery

There is some downtime required following a procedure. Patients are encouraged to rest for the first week to ten days after the procedure. Patients should also avoid:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Blowing the nose strongly
• Allowing water to enter the ear (as this can cause infection)
• Loud noises
• Light E.N.T. will address any questions or concerns following a procedure to ensure proper healing and care.

Are Hearing Aids a Good Treatment Option for Otosclerosis?

One of the most common questions people have when discussing the treatment of otosclerosis is the use of hearing aids. Hearing aids are a good option for individuals who are elderly or who have other health concerns that would not allow for a surgical option.

On the other hand, people who suffer from otosclerosis but are generally in good health will opt for surgery to treat hearing loss.