Treatment of otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by the formation of new bone, resulting in the ossification of a very small auditory ossicle known as the stirrup. (lat.Stapes).
This process of ossification of the stapes plate joint causes the transmission of vibrations to the inner ear to be interrupted, resulting in hearing damage. This disease usually appears at a younger age, and is also associated with a genetic predisposition to otosclerosis.
The treatment of otosclerosis is almost always carried out surgically, and the procedure is also known as a stapedotomy. The operation to remove excess bone structure is carried out minimally invasively, without external incisions and risky undertakings.
Sound is transmitted by vibration through the ossicles in the middle ear, and any interference with their mobility could result in hearing impairment. In the case of otosclerosis, the formation of a ossicle around the stirrup will limit its vibration transmission, causing spontaneous hearing loss.
The stirrup, due to its impaired function, needs to be completely removed, and as a replacement, a plastic or titanium prosthesis is placed that will transmit vibrations to the other ossicles, restoring your hearing.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we perform a stapedotomy and successfully treat otosclerosis with a routine procedure. We ensure effective results and a quick recovery, restoring your hearing and preventing the appearance of noises or other hearing disorders.
The factors influencing the occurrence of otosclerosis are still unknown. It is believed that one of the main factors is the hereditary element.
In addition to genetics, head trauma can leave a mark on the structure of the inner ear, and any micro-ruptures in the inner ear could trigger increased bone cell production, causing otosclerosis.
That is why it is necessary to conduct a thorough consultation where we review your medical history and implement all necessary measures for the successful treatment of the disorder.
The main symptoms of otosclerosis can be recognized by spontaneous hearing loss and frequent noises that can become more intense over time. Hearing loss can affect both ears over time, which is why it is necessary to react as soon as possible, as soon as the first symptoms appear.
To detect otosclerosis, the doctor will perform several diagnostic examinations.
For the purpose of diagnosing otosclerosis, at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic we perform:
An ENT examination is considered a basic examination for the diagnosis of any disorders in the ear, throat and nose area. When examining the ear, the doctor uses an otoscope, endoscope or microscope.
When performing this scan, sounds of various frequencies will be emitted through your headphones. Whenever you hear a sound, you’ll signal it through a given device, which automatically creates a graphical representation of your hearing threshold. Otosclerosis is characterized by conductive hearing loss.
In otosclerosis, the tympanogram is normal, while the cochleostasis reflex is absent.
Before the operation, you are required to submit the following findings:
With these findings, we will gain insight into your health condition, previous problems and, above all, assess how safe it is to undergo surgery.
The ECG recording and spirometry results are used to observe your vital functions during the procedure. By comparing your functions before and during surgery, we can notice the development of possible complications, such as rapid breathing or increased pulse.
If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, we will have to postpone the operation until we find an adequate solution.
The same applies to allergies to anesthesia, which you must inform us about before the procedure.
After the examinations and the submitted findings, you will need to sign a consent that describes in detail the procedure of the operation, possible risks and information on the use of general anesthesia.
By signing the consent, you accept all possible risks and the use of anesthetics.
Be sure to come to the surgery accompanied. Namely, the effect of general anesthesia is present even a few hours after the end of operations. You may feel mild nausea and lightheadedness, which is why driving after surgery is undesirable.
Upon arrival at the operating room, you will be placed on the operating table. The anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia after which you will find yourself in an unconscious state. Due to the action of general anesthesia, the operation will be painless and you will not remember it.
The surgery can also be performed under local anesthesia.
The anesthesiologist will monitor vital functions during the procedure to indicate possible complications.
Once the anesthesia starts working, the surgery can begin.
Using surgical instruments, under the control of a microscope or endoscope, the surgeon makes small incisions near the eardrum.
The eardrum is lifted, the suprastructure of the stapes is removed, the prosthesis is placed, and the eardrum is restored.
After the operation, the anesthesiologist wakes you up from your unconscious state and you go to home care the same day.
The operation lasts about 60 minutes.
After a stapedotomy, dizziness can occur, instability that will calm down in a few days. Full recovery usually occurs 3 weeks after surgery.
After the procedure, it is necessary to spare yourself from physical exertion, you are allowed to engage in milder physical activities, and you will increase the intensity of the activity over time.
Avoid blowing your nose hard and try to sneeze through your mouth at first.
Activities such as swimming or mountaineering (due to pressure changes) should be avoided for about two months after surgery.
After a stapedotomy, you can expect standard side effects that are typical of any procedure, such as bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
However, stapedotomy can cause some other complications:
If you notice any of these side effects, be sure to let us know so that we can arrange a check-up.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we perform ear, throat and nose surgeries on a daily basis. Our team of ENT specialists and neck and head surgery will make sure that the procedure goes smoothly.
Therefore, if you suspect possible otosclerosis, make an appointment for an examination by calling +3851 2444 646 or filling out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
