Stapedectomy: Surgery to Restore Hearing Lost to Otosclerosis
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a stapedectomy?
A stapedectomy is surgery that treats hearing loss caused by otosclerosis by removing the stuck stapes bone in the middle ear and replacing it with a small artificial device. The operation usually takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, is often outpatient and helps about 80% to 90% of people. Most people resume normal routines in about a week. [1]
What the research says
Most people get a large hearing gain. A systematic review of 16 studies (573 patients) of endoscopic stapes surgery found the gap between bone and air hearing shrank from 31 dB to 9 dB on average. It closed to 20 dB or less in 92% of patients, and inner-ear hearing loss as a complication was reported in just 0.2%. (Bartel et al., Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2021)
Laser and drill methods give similar hearing results. A meta-analysis of 4 studies (1,540 patients) found no meaningful difference in hearing outcomes between laser-assisted and micro-drill techniques, though the odds of post-surgery vertigo were about 2.5 times higher with the drill. (Jamileh et al., ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec, 2025)
A second surgery can still help if the first one fails. A review of 1,032 revision operations found average hearing improved by about 17 dB, with 53.3% reaching near-normal sound transmission, though results were lower than after a first surgery. (Székely et al., Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2024)
Key takeaways
Stapedectomy treats one specific cause of hearing loss: otosclerosis.
The stuck stapes bone is swapped for a tiny artificial device.
It is not considered major surgery and may use local or general anesthesia.
About 80% to 90% of people hear better afterward.
Keep your ear dry and avoid flying for 4 to 6 weeks while it heals.
What is a stapedectomy?
A stapedectomy (stay-puh-DEK-tuh-mee) is an operation that restores hearing by replacing the stapes, a tiny bone in the middle ear, with an artificial device. [1]
Your middle ear has three tiny bones called the ossicles. The smallest is the stapes. It sends sound vibrations from your middle ear to your inner ear. [1]
When otosclerosis damages the stapes, sound gets stuck. A stapedectomy fixes this by replacing the damaged bone with an artificial device. [1]
Why would someone need a stapedectomy?
Someone may need a stapedectomy if they have hearing loss caused by otosclerosis. [1]
Otosclerosis happens when the stapes fuses with the bone tissue around it. The bone loses the flexibility it needs to move sound waves forward. The result is a form of conductive hearing loss. [1]
What are the signs of otosclerosis?
The signs of otosclerosis usually come on slowly and include trouble hearing whispers and low-pitched sounds. You may notice that you: [1]
Struggle to hear people when they whisper
Have trouble hearing low-pitched sounds
Hear better when there's a lot of background noise
Speak more quietly because your own voice sounds too loud
Other possible symptoms include:
Source: [1]
Is a stapedectomy major surgery?
No, a stapedectomy is not considered major surgery. Major surgery usually means you need general anesthesia and breathing support because you can't breathe on your own. [1]
A stapedectomy doesn't meet that definition. It can be done with local or general anesthesia, and many people go home the same day. [1]
What happens before a stapedectomy?
Before a stapedectomy, your healthcare provider checks the cause and degree of your hearing loss with a history, an ear exam and hearing tests. This may include: [1]
Step | What it involves |
Medical history | Questions about how long you've had hearing trouble, tinnitus or vertigo, and any family history of otosclerosis |
Physical exam | A look at your ear canals and eardrum, and a check for acute or chronic ear infections |
Audiometry | A test of how well you hear a range of tones; results appear on an audiogram |
Tuning fork test | Compares hearing through bone (fork placed on the bone behind your ear) with hearing through the air |
Tympanometry | A handheld device checks how your eardrum moves; results appear on a tympanogram |
CT scan | Imaging that shows the bones and tissues inside your ear |
Source: [1]
What happens during a stapedectomy?
During a stapedectomy, the surgeon lifts the eardrum, removes the stapes and puts an artificial device in its place, which usually takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. Your surgeon may: [1]
Give anesthesia so you feel no pain. This may be local or general.
Reach the eardrum using a laser or micro-instruments. Sometimes a small cut is made behind or in front of the ear.
Lift the eardrum to reach the middle ear bones.
Remove the stapes and put an artificial device in its place.
Return the eardrum to its position and pack it with bandages or other material to hold it while it heals.
Does a stapedectomy hurt?
A stapedectomy may cause some mild pain or discomfort afterward. Ask your provider which over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for you. [1]
How long is recovery after a stapedectomy?
Recovery after a stapedectomy usually takes about one week for normal routines and about six weeks for the ear to heal fully. [1]
You can go home once you've recovered from the anesthesia. Plan to rest for the first few days. If your job involves heavy lifting or hard physical work, you may need more time off. [1]
Aftercare at home
Do | Avoid |
Gently place cotton balls in your ear if there's bloody discharge | Getting water in your ear |
Use antibiotic ear drops if prescribed | Flying until your ear heals (about 4 to 6 weeks), because pressure changes can shift the device |
Before showering, put a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear | Using earbuds until your ear heals |
Pat the outside of your ear dry after a shower | Strenuous activity before your provider clears you |
Source: [1]
Follow-up visits
About 1 week after surgery: a check for vertigo or signs of infection
About 4 to 6 weeks after surgery: hearing tests to see how well the surgery worked
What are the risks of a stapedectomy?
The risks of a stapedectomy include dizziness, a change in taste, tinnitus and, rarely, no improvement or worse hearing. It helps about 80% to 90% of people with otosclerosis, but it doesn't work for everyone. [1]
Possible complication | What to know |
Dizziness | Common right after surgery and for the next few days |
Taste change | Loss of taste on one side of the tongue; usually goes away after a few months |
Tinnitus | Ringing in the ear may develop |
No improvement or worse hearing | Your provider may suggest another surgery or hearing aids |
Source: [1]
What are the signs a stapedectomy did not work?
The most common signs of a failed stapedectomy are hearing that doesn't improve after surgery, or further hearing loss. [1]
When should you call a doctor after a stapedectomy?
Call your doctor after a stapedectomy if you have severe vertigo, signs of infection, bleeding that won't slow down or weakness in your face. Contact your healthcare provider if you have: [1]
Severe vertigo or dizziness
Unusual discharge, pain or swelling, which may mean infection
Bleeding that doesn't slow down after a few hours
Weakness in the muscles on the side of your face where you had surgery
Conclusion
Otosclerosis can steal your hearing so slowly that you don't notice until whispers and soft voices start to fade. A stapedectomy targets the root of the problem by replacing the one tiny bone that has stopped moving.
For most people, it's an effective way to hear better again. Recovery is usually quick, and the main job afterward is to protect your healing ear. If you've been diagnosed with otosclerosis, ask your healthcare provider whether a stapedectomy could be the right next step for you.
Want to understand your ears better? Explore more plain-language guides on hearing, balance and ear health on Rinnit.com, and bring this article to your next appointment to help guide the conversation with your doctor.
FAQ
What is a stapedectomy used for?
A stapedectomy is used to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a condition in which the stapes bone in the middle ear fuses to surrounding bone and stops passing sound to the inner ear.
How long does stapedectomy surgery take?
Stapedectomy surgery usually takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. It is often done as outpatient surgery.
Is a stapedectomy done under general anesthesia?
A stapedectomy can be done with either local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
How successful is a stapedectomy?
A stapedectomy helps about 80% to 90% of people with otosclerosis. In rare cases, hearing doesn't improve or gets worse.
How long is stapedectomy recovery?
Most people return to normal routines about one week after a stapedectomy, and the ear usually heals fully in about six weeks. People with physically demanding jobs may need more time off.
When can I fly after a stapedectomy?
You can fly after a stapedectomy once your ear heals, which may take 4 to 6 weeks. Cabin pressure changes can dislodge the new device.
Can I shower after a stapedectomy?
Yes, you can shower after a stapedectomy, but keep your ear dry. Place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear, then gently pat the outer ear dry afterward.
Why does food taste different after a stapedectomy?
Some people lose taste on one side of the tongue after a stapedectomy. This usually goes away within a few months.
What are the signs that a stapedectomy failed?
The signs that a stapedectomy failed are hearing that doesn't improve after surgery or additional hearing loss. Your provider may then suggest another surgery or hearing aids.
Does a stapedectomy hurt?
Most people have only mild pain or discomfort after a stapedectomy. Ask your provider which over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for you.
Related reading
Further reading
References
Cleveland Clinic. Stapedectomy: Definition, Surgery, Procedure & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated February 4, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22382-stapedectomy
Toscano ML, Matz O, Hohman MH, et al. Stapes Surgery for Otosclerosis. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; last updated August 2, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562205/
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Clinical Indicators: Stapedectomy/Stapedotomy. AAO-HNS. Last updated August 7, 2014. https://www.entnet.org/resource/clinical-indicators-stapedectomy-stapedotomy/
Michels TC, Duffy MT, Rogers DJ. Hearing Loss in Adults: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(2):98-108. PMID 31305044. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31305044/
Bartel R, Sanz JJ, Clemente I, et al. Endoscopic stapes surgery outcomes and complication rates: a systematic review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;278(8):2673-2679. PMID 33001293. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06388-8
Jamileh E, Akhtar Z, Gire N, et al. Comparing CO2 Laser and Microdrill in Primary Stapedotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Post-Operative Hearing Outcomes and Complications. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2025;87(2-3):133-142. PMID 40403711. https://doi.org/10.1159/000546504
Székely L, Uri I, Luka Á, et al. Audiological outcomes after revision stapes surgeries: a systematic review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024;281(10):5051-5059. PMID 38839701. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-024-08741-7
Medical disclaimer
This article is for education only and does not replace advice from your own healthcare provider. Decisions about ear surgery should be made with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who knows your medical history. If you have severe vertigo, heavy bleeding or facial weakness after surgery, seek medical care right away.
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