Stapedoplasty: Microsurgical Hearing Restoration for Otosclerosis

Gradual hearing loss, constant ringing in the ears, and the inability to understand speech in a noisy room — these symptoms are often signs of an insidious disease called otosclerosis. Many people suffer from this condition for years, buy expensive hearing aids, and don’t even realize that their hearing can be fully restored with one elegant surgery.

At St. Luke’s Clinic, we perform stapedoplasty — the pinnacle of ear microsurgery. This operation allows patients to regain the ability to hear the world in all its colors, without external incisions and lengthy rehabilitation.

What is otosclerosis and why is surgery needed?

In our middle ear, there are three of the smallest bones in the human body: the malleus, incus, and stapes. They vibrate and transmit sound waves to the auditory nerve. In otosclerosis, pathological bone tissue begins to grow around the stapes. The stapes becomes rigidly blocked (“stuck”), stops moving, and sound simply cannot pass through. The person begins to lose their hearing.

No pills, drops, or ear insufflation can dissolve this bone tissue. The only effective way to restore hearing is microsurgical replacement of the blocked ossicle with a movable prosthesis (stapedoplasty).

How is stapedoplasty performed at St. Luke’s Clinic?

This is a delicate operation that requires the surgeon’s highest skill and the use of ultra-precise equipment.

1. No scars: All manipulations are performed exclusively through the natural ear canal (inside the ear). We do not make any incisions behind the ear and do not shave hair.
2. Modern anesthesia: The operation is most often performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. This is done intentionally: during the operation, the doctor inserts the prosthesis and can ask the patient in a whisper right on the operating table: “Can you hear me?”. This moment, when the person hears sound again, is the most emotional stage of treatment.
3. Course of the operation: The surgeon works under a powerful operating microscope. He carefully removes the immobile part of the stapes. In its place, a miniature prosthesis (made of titanium or Teflon) as thin as a hair is installed. This prosthesis takes over the function of sound transmission.
4. Completion: The ear canal is closed with special tampons, which are removed after a few days.

What implants (prostheses) do we use?

In our clinic, only certified microprostheses from leading global manufacturers are used. They are made of biocompatible materials (titanium, Teflon), which:

• Are perfectly integrated and do not cause rejection.
• Do not wear out over time (installed for life).
• Do not react to magnetic fields (you will be able to undergo MRI without problems in the future).

Rehabilitation: how to preserve new hearing?

Recovery after stapedoplasty requires discipline from the patient. You will spend 1-3 days in the inpatient department of St. Luke’s Clinic. In the first few days, slight dizziness may be observed — this is a normal reaction of the inner ear to the restoration of sound pressure.

You will feel the true result of the operation after the tampons are removed from the ear (usually on the 7-10th day). Hearing will gradually improve over several weeks.

To ensure successful prosthesis integration, for 1-2 months, it is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to:

• Blow your nose (you can only gently wipe your nose) and sneeze with your mouth closed.
• Fly on an airplane and ride high-speed elevators, dive underwater (avoid pressure changes).
• Lift weights over 3-5 kg and engage in active sports.
• Listen to loud music and be in noisy environments.
• Allow water to enter the operated ear.

Regain the luxury of communication and the joy of hearing the voices of loved ones. Schedule an audiometry and consultation with ENT surgeons at St. Luke’s Clinic.