Middle ear surgery (ossiculoplasty) – when is it needed and what does it involve?
Ossiculoplasty is a procedure to restore normal conduction of sound in the middle ear. During plastic surgery, the doctor reconstructs the continuity of the chain of auditory ossicles – hammer, anvil and stirrup – which are responsible for transmitting vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Ossiculoplasty improves a patient’s hearing in cases of hearing loss where there has been damage or interruption to this system, e.g. as a result of chronic inflammation of the ear, trauma or previous surgery.
Why Medicus Clinic?
What does ossiculoplasty involve?
Middle ear surgery involves reconstruction of the sound-conducting system using:
The procedure is performed microsurgically, usually through the external ear canal or from a small incision behind the ear. In many cases, ossiculoplasty is combined with eardrum reconstruction (tympanoplasty) if this too has been damaged.
When is ossiculoplasty performed?
The treatment is recommended for patients with:
The decision to perform the procedure is made by the ENT surgeon after a thorough hearing examination and diagnostics, including endoscopy, which allows the inside of the ear to be viewed in detail.
How is the operation and recovery going?
The operation is performed under general or local anaesthesia and the procedure itself usually takes between one and two hours. After the operation, the patient remains in hospital for about 1-2 days, although sometimes the procedure can be performed as a day case.
The first follow-up visit usually takes place after one week and subsequent visits are arranged on an individual basis. During the post-operative period, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting, violent coughing and to protect the ear from water and ear infections.
Hearing improvement can occur gradually – over several weeks or months – depending on the type of reconstruction and the individual healing process.
Otolaryngologists of Medicus Clinic
A visit to an otolaryngologist at Medicus Clinic is a key part of comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of the pharyngeal tonsils. Our experienced specialists carry out thorough examinations, select optimal treatment methods and offer effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
