What is it, and what causes it?
It is a condition that is usually inherited and tends to run in families. It causes a gradual loss of hearing that, in most cases, affects both ears.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The main symptoms are hearing loss (conductive deafness) and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). Diagnosis is based on painless tests: audiometry and tympanometry (impedance testing).
How is it treated?
Surgery is the treatment of choice. It does not remove the genetic predisposition, but it is the only way to restore the hearing that has been lost.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is called stapedotomy. It is performed under local anaesthetic through the ear canal, with no external incisions: a tiny opening (0.6 mm) is made in the footplate of the stapes, and a very small prosthesis is placed to replace the stapes, which can no longer move.
Hospital stay and recovery
- Hospital stay
- one night
- First check-up
- after 20 days
- Hearing test
- one month after surgery, to confirm the recovery of hearing
What is the success rate?
A realistic estimate is complete restoration of hearing in around 90% of cases.
This information is provided for general guidance. Every treatment decision is made during a specialist consultation.