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Is it still possible to get a stapedotomy, and what are the pros and cons of such a procedure?
Question: I am 51 years old with hereditary otosclerosis, diagnosed right after the birth of my 1st son when I was 36. In 2009, scared by the surgery (even though successful for my mom who had the procedure done by Dr Freich, you might know since you seem to give lectures in France) I opted for a hearing aid. It has now reached it’s full capacity and I need to buy a new one. But working as a School Counselor (for the French American Pre-School), listening to kids with multicultural backgrounds is a BIG challenge! And I think I still compensate with lip reading. Is it still possible to get a stapedotomy? Do you speak some French so I could consult you and understand better the pros and cons of such a procedure?
Thank you so much for your opinion/advice.
Answer:
Hi Floriane,
I would highly recommend a consultation with an experienced stapedotomy surgeon to discuss the pros and cons. In experienced hands, the surgery is highly successful with a recognized complication rate less than 1%. In France, the Clinque Causse near Beziers is a world-class facility with some of the most experienced surgeons in the world.
Best of luck.
Neil Sperling, MD New York Otolaryngology Group 36A East 36th Street New York, New York
Associate Professor, Dept of Otolaryngology SUNY Downstate Brooklyn, New York
Q & A
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
Stapedotomy Surgery
Stapedotomy surgery is a procedure in which the innermost bone (stapes) of the three bones (the stapes, the incus, and the malleus) of the middle ear is removed, and replaced with a prosthesis. it is also know as Stapedectomy surgery. Performed to improve the movement of sound to the inner ear, stapedectomy treats progressive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a condition in which spongy bone hardens around the base of the stapes.
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
I’m loosing my hearing again after a Stapedectomy. Is there anything new that can help me?
Question:
Hello,
I had successful bilateral stapedectomy (right ear in 1995, left ear 1996) with hearing in the normal range post op. I started losing my hearing in my right ear again after I had my son in 2001 and 2 attempts at revision, the latest in 2004. My revision surgeon in Albany NY stated that my incus bone was cracked which is why the prosthesis is not staying put. I do not want to get surgery again in Albany, and am looking for the top surgeon in this field as my hearing is at 90 decibels and my ear has been ringing loudly 24/7 for at least 10 years. Is there anything new that can help me?
Answer:
Thank you for your inquiry. It sounds like you’ve been through quite a bit with your ear. At your level of hearing loss, there may not be simple options. Are you getting any benefit from traditional hearing aids? Considering the details you’ve provided, there are some cases that can be remedied surgically, using the Malleus bone instead of the Incus. Of course, I can’t be certain that your condition would allow for this without further information, but it may be worth considering.
The next step would be careful analysis of your current audiometry, the prior surgical reports, and a detailed CT scan.
Associate Professor, Dept of Otolaryngology SUNY Downstate Brooklyn, New York
Q & A
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
Do I need revision stapes surgery?
Question:
Many years ago I was diagnosed at Mass Eye and Ear with otosclerosis. I was operated on by Dr. Joseph Nadol. Over the past few years, my hearing has once again diminished and I wonder if its possible to do a revision? Also, my other ear was never been operated on. I am 68 years old, female, and a medical librarian, and my loss of hearing is obviously impinging on my work and life. I would prefer to not have to travel back to Boston…is this something you can help me with?
Answer:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your hearing loss. It is often possible to regain excellent hearing with revision stapes surgery. It all depends on the nature of the hearing loss that you have. The first step would be to re-test your hearing. I would be happy to help you if you’d like. You can make an appointment online or by calling our office. Best of luck.
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
New Textbook on Otosclerosis
NYOG proudly announces the publication of a new textbook by Dr. Sperling.
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
Ear Surgery
Sometimes surgery is the best way to restore health and hearing, and you can be confident that at NYOG you are in the hands of the best surgeons in the field for the different types of ear surgery.
Our success rates with surgical interventions are among the highest in the country. Our doctors are consistently ranked as the finest physicians available by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine’s Best Doctors, Best Doctors in America (a rating by peer physicians), Super Doctors, and New York’s Top Doctors.
As always, we are here to answer any and all of your questions regarding your ear and hearing health and all options for your treatment. Below are some descriptions of the surgeries associated with the ear and hearing. We want our patients to be as informed as possible, because at NYOG our goal is to…clear things up.
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
The most common childhood illness, ear infections are painful and can cause permanent hearing loss. Often, antibiotics to fight the infection will make the earache go away rapidly, but recurrent infections may need other hearing loss treatments. Learn more about the treatment for Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
OTOSCLEROSIS
One cause of conductive hearing loss is when an abnormal growth surrounds the tiny vibrating bones of the middle ear. Hearing loss due to otosclerosis is reversible, in most cases, with a surgical procedure known as a laser stapedotomy. Learn more about the treatment for Otosclerosis
CHOLESTEATOMA
Cholesteatoma is a benign tumor caused by the build-up of skin cells and protein from the ear canal behind the eardrum. If the cholesteatoma is small and hearing loss remains at acceptable levels, then microscopic cleaning may be performed. For a more advanced cholesteatoma, a surgical hearing loss treamtent may be needed. Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove cholesteatoma and infections from within the mastoid bone. Learn more about the treatment for Cholesteatoma
EAR DRUM PERFORATION (RUPTURED EAR DRUM)
Perforations or ruptures of the ear drum are usually caused by an injury or repeated infections. By repairing the tympanic membrane and/or the ossicular bones, the conductive mechanism can be re-established and hearing restored. Learn more about the treatment for Ear Drum Perforation
OSSICULAR CHAIN DISCONTINUITY
One cause of conductive hearing loss is ossicular chain discontinuity or malformation, the result of which is the loss of transmission of sound from the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to the inner ear. In a surgical procedure known as ossicular chain reconstruction, the ossicluar chain is re-established. Read more about Ossicular Chain Reconstruction.
AUTOIMMUNE INNER EAR DISEASE
Autoimmune inner ear disease is a rare disease and most doctors are unfamiliar with this disorder. Dr. Sperling has extensive experience treating this uncommon condition. A steroid called prednisone is most often prescribed to suppress the immune system and slow the attack on inner ear structures. Intratympanic steriod injections offer a potent addition to treating this condition. Learn more about the hearing loss treatment for this condition
MENIERE’S DISEASE
While there is presently no known cure for Meniere’s Disease, which occurs when there are excess fluids and pressure in the inner ear, Dr. Sperling and his team at NYOG specialize in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, with treatment tailored to your specific case. Most cases can be greatly improved with treatment. Learn more about the treatment for Meniere’s Disease
TINNITUS
An otolaryngologist will work with you to find the specific cause of your tinnitus, your doctor may be able to offer a specific treatment to eliminate the noise. Some other hearing loss treatments are: mindful meditation, hearing aids, cochlear implants or electrical stimulation, cognitive therapy, drug therapy, sound therapy and TMJ treatment. Learn more about the treatment for Tinnitus
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
Otosclerosis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Otosclerosis is a condition of the ear caused when an abnormal growth surrounds the tiny vibrating bones of the middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss. It typically affects the Stapes bone which, when immobilized, cannot properly conduct sound energy toward the inner ear. Fortunately, there are multiple Otosclerosis treatment options.
Approximately 60 percent of otosclerosis cases are hereditary. While it is seen across ethnic groups, it is most common in Caucasians between 20 and 45 years of age. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men and, once affected, often experience accelerated hearing loss during pregnancy.
Otosclerosis Symptoms
Hearing loss is the primary symptom of otosclerosis. The hearing loss may be in one or both ears. It usually begins with mild loss, but often increases over time. Patients with otosclerosis may also suffer tinnitus, a ringing or rushing sound in the affected ear. Balance problems such as dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness may also occur, but are far less common.
Otosclerosis Diagnosis
Patients with possible otosclerosis are first given a hearing test. However, as hearing loss can be caused by a number of disorders, a CT scan may sometimes be recommended.
Otosclerosis Treatment
The good news is that conductive hearing loss due to otosclerosis is reversible, in most cases, with a surgical procedure known as a laser stapedotomy. Part of the Stapes is removed and replaced with a prosthesis that, once in place, allows the bones of the middle ear to move properly, thus restoring conductive function to the ear.
At NYOG, Dr. Sperling uses a specialized laser stapedotomy technique that includes vein grafting in order to eliminate post-operative vertigo, which is common after more traditional stapedectomy procedures. This technique is 90 percent to 95 percent effective at restoring the ability to hear, often immediately after surgery.
As an alternative to stapedectomy (surgery)as an Otosclerosis treatment , traditional hearing aids can correct the hearing loss associated with otosclerosis. In some cases, a sodium fluoride treatment may also be prescribed to slow the progression of the disease.
Life Changing! Due to Otosclerosis I have worn hearing aids over 15 years. During that time I went from a mild loss to a severe loss. In June, 2015 Dr. Sperling performed a stapedoctomy on my left ear. The results are amazing having gotten back about 90% of my hearing. Dr, Sperling’s skill as a surgeon are matched by his compassion and reassuring manner. Although he’s done this procedure countless times, I never felt like just a number. The initial consultation, sitting with me a few minutes before the operation, and personally calling me the day after all proved his dedication and care for his patients. I highly recommend Dr, Sperling and his team and look forward to having the same experience with my right ear in September.
Dr. Sperling performed a Stapedoctomy to treat my Otosclerosis. He made me feel at ease since my first consultation with him. He explained my condition thoroughly and even showed me a power point presentation. On the day of the surgery he met with me right before the surgery to see if I had any questions and just sat by my side for a few minutes, which was very comforting. Once the Surgery was completed he took the time to go to a different floor to find my wife to let her know that everything went well. The day after the surgery he called me himself to see how I was feeling. On top of this great experience I was able to hear again!!!
Q & A
If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.
Neil M. Sperling, MD
Dr. Neil Sperling specializes in surgery for hearing restoration. He is dedicated to providing expert hearing healthcare.This begins with personized and precise identification of the cause of hearing loss, followed by facilitating an optimal solution. Hearing restoration surgery, implanted hearing devices and advanced hearing technologies are considered in an effort to find an optimal solution for each individual.
Dr. Sperling is the Medical Director of Hearing Healthcare and Technologies for the Department of Otolaryngology at Lenox Hill Hospital. He is the past president of the New York Otological Society. He served as the Director of Otology (Ear Surgery) at SUNY-Downstate College of Medicine from 1991-2010, and served on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College from 2015 – 2019. Dr. Sperling is on the international teaching faculty at the Causse Ear Hospital in France, one of the most innovative and experienced centers in the world for treatment of Otosclerosis with Stapedectomy/Stapedotomy surgery.
Dr. Sperling graduated with honors from New York Medical College. He completed his post-graduate residency in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and a Fellowship in Otologic surgery and research at the Minnesota Ear Clinic and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Dr. Sperling is the author of numerous medical publications and has edited several textbooks. He has been elected to the New York Otological Society, a group of New York ear experts. He has served on local and national committees including the committee on applicants for the American College of Surgeons, and the implantable devices sub-committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has been in practice since 1991.
Dr. Sperling’s textbook on Otosclerosis:
NYOG proudly announces the publication of a new textbook by Dr. Neil Sperling. Otosclerosis: Diagnosis, Evaluation, Pathology, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes by Chris de Souza, Marcos V. Goycoolea, Neil M. Sperling
“If you want a physician of intensely high skill who can operate through a keyhole slit a few millimeters across and replace the minute ossicles of the ear with titanium parts, then you go see Dr Sperling.” p. 132
In the words of the author Dr. Conrad Fischer: “His patients call Dr. Sperling a miracle worker. I interviewed a dozen of them, and far more than one, even the calmest among them, say the same thing in the same words.” p. 132
With respect to otosclerosis surgery, one patient is quoted in the book as follows: “…in an hour, fifteen years of misery were stopped. I came off the table, and my life was restored back to me. It was instantaneous. I went into the hospital cut off and separate….I left the hospital on the same day happy. I felt like I rejoined the world, but I guess it is better to say that world rejoined me.” p.137
“… I gave away my hearing aids.” p. 137
Another patient who underwent hearing restoration surgery for congenital hearing loss surgery is quoted: “When I came off the table, I could hear everything. It is like living your whole life thinking there was only one dimension, then you find out all of a sudden there are three dimensions that everyone knew about but you did not. In an instant, my entire concept of normal changed.” p.142
Invited Panel Member: Revision Stapedectomy Expert panel discussion. LION International Virtual Otology Conference. May 18 – 19, 2020
Life Lessons from Ear Surgery. Invited Speaker. George Washington University Department of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds. November 9, 2020.
Middle Ear Anatomy and Ossicular Reconstruction. Resident Temporal Bone Training Course. Northwell Otolaryngology Resident Training August 17, 2020
Becoming a Hearing Healthcare Advocate. The pivotal role of the otolaryngologist and audiologist. Invited speaker. SUNY-Downstate Department of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds. October 3, 2019
Totally Implantable Auditory Devices. Invited Speaker. Implantable Auditory Devices Update 2019. University Club of New York. New York, NY. March 30, 2019
Dr. Neil Sperling spoke at the New York Head & Neck Institute Implantable Auditory Devices 2019 conference. It was held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at The University Club of New York, One West 54th Street in NY.
Dr. Sperling spoke on Non-Implantable: Deep Canal Hearing Devices: Earlens and Totally IAD: Is the Technology Reliable? You can find more information in the brochure below.
