Hi @megwest512, I'm glad that stapedectomy is an option for you. But I can understand the increasing nervousness as the procedure date approaches. I'm tagging @mikepa @artscaping @whatdidyousaynaz @momisthebest714 @davekoh @rabbit10, who have experience with otosclerosis and specifically stapedectomies. I hope they will share their experiences and tips for a good recovery.

Meg, what concerns you the most?

I would appreciate knowing what a Stapedectomy is for and how it is diagnosed.Thankyou.
Ainsleigh

@megwest512 Meg, I have had the stapedectomy in each ear - one in 2006 and the other 10 years later. I was nervous as well as I was in my early 40's and knew no one to talk to. The otosclerosis came on so quickly that I hadn't had time to do any research. But the surgery itself is not a big deal. My only issue was some bleeding behind the ear where they took some skin. It was outpatient both times and the next day I was moving around and doing work, just not at the office because Dr. didn't want me getting jostled around. I wish I had Zoom back then! Anyway, after removing packing my hearing went from deaf (due to the stapes bone collapsing and covering the hole to the inner ear) to hearing loss that could be easily handled by my hearing aids. The biggest downfall with otosclerosis is that the sensorineural hearing loss piece doesn't come back. My loss stayed stable for a few years but has gradually gone from moderate loss to more severs loss in each year. So I have gone to more powerful BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids versus the ITC (in the canal) ones I started with. I have been watching the research being done on regeneration of inner ear heir cells (see Hearing Health Foundation hhf.org) in case they get to trials in my lifetime. I also am always on the lookout for new phone apps that help block out noise in loud environments. That will become the biggest struggle for you as well as hearing people with soft voices. But the surgery is absolutely worth it. You'll experience new challenges, but always take them on with a positive attitude. And I recommend joining the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA hearing loss.org). They have been a lifesaver for me to connect with others with similar issues. Good luck and feel free to ask any questions. What hospital are you using?

I had this surgery 20 years ago. It did improve my hearing in that ear tho it did not restore it. My doc has not suggested more surgery as yet. Guess I’m too old. I have severe loss in that ear and moderate to severe loss in the other ear. My aids are my life savers but nothing is as good as the ones God gave me at birth.

Hello.
Based on my experience, I would say you’ll be OK.
It’s normal to be nervous. I felt the same way. I waited 24 years to get it done.
I had surgery on 6/2024. It was 💯 % successful. I was able to hear right after the surgery even with all the packaging. I returned a week later to remove the outside packaging, I was able to hear. Returned two weeks later the surgeon to cleaned inside operated ear. I was able to hear better. I returned 9/19/24 for hearing tests after surgery, and my hearing was restored at the same level as my right ear. Before the surgery, my hearing loss was severe (80). I did not have any problems after surgery (NO dizziness, headache, pain, I did not lose the teste, my face did not get paralyzed, my eardrums were not perforated, I did not have any complications. I only took two of the prescribed pain med because I did not feel any pain. I only took antibiotics. I was able to drive a week after the surgery was performed. I was able to take a shower the next day. Of course, protecting the operated ear with a cotton ball with Vaseline to prevent water from entering the ear. I was able to drive a week after the surgery was performed.

I feel blessed to have an excellent surgeon in Chicago at Northwestern Hospital.
My surgery was conducted through the back of my ear because my ear canal was too small. No noticeable scars.
I still have some tinnitus, also some itching outside/ inside the operated ear. The doctor said it would take 6 months to complete healing. It is part of the healing process. I hope this help and give you some comfort.