Ear Surgery Options
Some Cases of Hearing Loss May be Restored
Apr 29, 2009 Elizabeth Linehan
There are several varieties of ear surgeries to restore lost hearing and correct damaged or diseased parts of the ear. Which of those, if any, is appropriate depends on the problem. This article is the second in a series on hearing and hearing loss. It is only to be used for information and not intended in any way to replace counsel from a qualified physician.
Ear Tube Surgery After Chronic Ear Infections
One frequent problem in young children is fluid behind the ear. This is generally caused when a child has a cold and bacteria cause a blockage of the Eustachian tubes, or when the child has chronic ear infection. If the doctor recommends it, a simple outpatient surgical procedure called a “Myringotomy” or “ear tube surgery” may be performed. The doctor incises the eardrum and suctions fluid out of the middle ear. Tubes are inserted which allow the fluid to drain out continually and air to enter. These ear tubes are intended to stay for one to two years, typically falling out on their own at about fourteen months.
Stapes Surgery Frees Up Fused Small Bones of the Ear
The stapes is one of the small bones of the inner ear, known as the ossicles. When sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, it sets off motion in the ossicles which focus and amplify the sound and send it on to the inner ear. Otosclerosis is defined by entusa.com as “a metabolic disease which can fix the stapes to the inner ear, reducing its ability to vibrate.” (entusa, 2009) If the stapes can’t move, it can’t transmit the sound to the inner ear and hearing is reduced or lost. Stapes surgery, or stapedectomy, is the removal of a portion of the stapes which is then replaced with a prosthesis.
If the eardrum is perforated, it can’t vibrate and set the ossicles in motion. While some perforations may heal on their own, larger wounds or more serious damage may not. Tympanoplasty may be needed. There are five types of tympanoplasty, each repairing differing degrees of damage. Which is indicated will be determined by a physician.
Three Ways to Remove Acoustic Neuromas
Acoustic Neuromas are slow growing, benign tumors of the auditory nerves. Depending on the size and exact location of the tumor, there are three different approaches to removing it, each with its own benefits and risks. Auditory Neuroma Patient International lists these as:
- Translabyrinthine (or translab): right through the ear canal
- Middle fossa (or mid fossa): atop and forward of the ear
- Retrosigmoid (or suboccipital): behind and slightly below the ear (ani, 2007)
As with all ear surgery, a qualified ENT will best determine which, if any, to use.
With the many and varied ways hearing can be lost and possibly regained, there are constantly growing and improving treatments. Surgery is only one option. In some instances, it is the best. But not always. Thorough examinations and testing as well as multiple qualified opinions will ensure the best route to take.
Hearing Loss May be Treatable
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