What is Stapedectomy Recovery like?

@bobbie1977 Hello, I have not had a stapedectomy, but when I had sinus surgery & my septum repaired, there was a lot of swelling and "stuffiness" for most of a month as it healed. When my daughter had 2 tympanoplasties, she was fairly young, and complained of "stuffed cotton ears" afterwards. The ENT said this was perfectly normal - both tissue and nerves are bothered by the surgery, so you have both actual swelling, and there can be odd sensations from the disturbed nerves as they heal. We both were more comfortable propped up on a lot of pillows until the swelling eased - lying flat seemed to increase the pressure.

What did the ENT tell you to expect?

If you do experience fever or a sudden increase in pain, contact the doctor or their emergency number right away.
Sue

Hi vic83. I just had a stapedotomy this morning. Surgeon said I repeated word he whispered in my ear (I remember repeating but thought he said out loud so my good ear heard). I’m at home but I can’t hear on the bad side. When packing comes out will that make a difference?

Packing no doubt blocking sound like an ear plug. I could hear better immediately as I recall, don't remember if before or after packing. Then I was left with just nerve loss of hearing. Good luck!
"Stapedectomy or Stapedotomy? What's the Difference? Compared to a stapedectomy, a stapedotomy includes the use of a laser to make a precise hole (fenestration) in the stapes footplate. While a stapedectomy typically removes the entire stapes footplate and has it replaced with a micro prosthesis."

I had the stapedotomy. I was awake and could hear him ask for the laser (and at one point a chisel - that freaked me out a bit 😂). Thx for the reply. I have some nerve loss in that ear as of late as well but very mild.

Oh lord a chisel! Just think if he had asked for a hammer. I had my stapedotomy done in Florida at Silverstein Institute, and they gave me general anesthesia. Florida gives you general anesthesia for colonoscopies too. Minnesota no.
Nerve loss comes with age.......

I was awake but they could’ve amputated an arm and I couldn’t have done anything about it; I think it’s called twilight sleep. It wasn’t bad and it was interesting to see what was going on.

I just now realized I can ‘hear’ myself. I hadn’t been talking but I just called my mother to give her update and now I have a total headache because I’m so loud. Things to get used to.

Being on the left side, one hears more traffic when driving.
And have you lowered the TV????

My bad ear was the right so now I’ll be able to hear my passengers. Haven’t watched tv yet but I had purchased headphones so my family could watch at normal volume and I could adjust just for me.

I had Stapedectomy of my left ear two weeks ago. All packing removed. Healing nicely. The operative ear hears much better (not 100% yet and with a little different tone, but its only 2 weeks!)
The only thing worries me is tremendous amplification of some sounds: knocking doors, rustling of a plastic, tearing of paper, pretty normal speech and steps, vent, etc.
Will appreciate talking to anybody with same experience.
Will it go away in a while? I trust my surgeon 100%, but he is out of town, so... )))

Hello. Had failed stapedectomy on December 23. There was a concern after surgery that I had underdeveloped stapes and a total stapedectomy was preformed. Was sent home with antibiotics and 5 days prednisone. Could not hear anything, thought this was normal due to swelling and packing. Had packing removed on January 11th and had hearing test could not hear anything and was sent home with 10 day prednisone. Has been no improvement and getting intense unbearable tinnitus. I need help this is unbearable and I can’t take it. It worse if I walk or weird sounds like running water. Any suggestions? I can’t do this.