Otosclerosis and Stapes Surgery

CO2 laser stapedotomy for conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis

What is otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis is abnormal bone growth around the inner ear that fixes the stapes – the smallest bone in the body – so it can no longer pass sound into the inner ear. It causes gradual hearing loss, usually starting between 20 and 45 years of age, is more common in women and often runs in families. It frequently affects both ears over time.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The main symptom is slowly worsening hearing, often with tinnitus. Diagnosis is made with a hearing test showing a conductive hearing loss, tympanometry and stapedial reflex testing, and sometimes a CT scan.

Treatment options

Monitoring for mild hearing loss
Hearing aids, which work well for many people
Stapes surgery (stapedotomy) to restore sound transmission
Bone conduction hearing devices for people not suited to surgery

Stapes surgery

Dr Reddy performs a stapedotomy through a small cut just in front of the ear (an endaural incision). The fixed stapes is bypassed with a tiny prosthesis placed into a small opening in its footplate, which Dr Reddy makes with a CO2 laser for a precise, no-touch technique. In published series the hearing gap closes to within 10 dB in up to about 85–90% of ears, and results are stable over many years. Temporary dizziness and taste change can occur; significant loss of inner ear hearing is uncommon (about 1% or fewer in modern laser series) but is the most important risk, and is discussed in detail before surgery. One ear is treated at a time.

Recovery

Most people go home the same day or next morning. For about 3–4 weeks avoid flying, heavy lifting, straining and forceful nose-blowing, and keep water out of the ear. Hearing is usually tested about 3–6 weeks after surgery. A sudden drop in hearing or severe dizziness after surgery needs same-day review.

Frequently asked questions

Is surgery better than a hearing aid? Both are reasonable choices. Surgery can restore natural hearing without a device, but carries a small risk to the inner ear. Dr Reddy will help you weigh this up.

Does pregnancy make otosclerosis worse? Some women notice a change in hearing, but large studies have not shown a clear link.

Can I fly or dive after surgery? Flying is usually fine after about a month. Diving is often discouraged long-term – please discuss if you dive.

Patient information sheet

Download the Otosclerosis information sheet (PDF).

Please note: the sheet is a general summary of the published medical literature. The figures describe groups of patients and are not specific to your condition – Dr Reddy will discuss your own situation and options with you.

Where Dr Reddy sees patients

Dr Reddy sees adults and children at Macarthur ENT in Gregory Hills and Campbelltown, and at My-ENT in the Sydney CBD (Macquarie Street). He operates at Prince of Wales and Liverpool hospitals (public) and Camden Surgical, Sydney Southwest Private, Prince of Wales Private and St Luke’s hospitals (private).

Referral

GPs, paediatricians and other specialists can refer via HealthLink (Macarthur ENT EDI: macarent; My-ENT EDI: myentdr), email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com or use the online referral form. A current referral from a GP or specialist is needed for a Medicare rebate.

Dr Rithvik Reddy

Expert ENT services for adults and children.

Contact for appointments

Referring doctors can email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com to make appointment

Macarthur ENT

Shop 2101, Level 2, 31A Lasso Rd, Gregory Hills NSW 2557

Suite 102, Building B, Level 1, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

Phone (02) 4625 1682 · Fax (02) 4625 1032

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

My-ENT, Sydney CBD

Suite 303, Level 3, BMA House, 135 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone (02) 9247 1762 · Fax (02) 9247 2141

Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm