The stapes rests in a small groove, called the oval window, which is intimate contact with the inner ear fluids. Anything that interferes with the movement of the stapes produces a conductive hearing loss. The amount of hearing loss is due to the amount of otosclerosis involvement at this location, and can be determined only by careful hearing tests. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and can usually be carried out as an outpatient procedure. Overnight hospitalization remains an option if it becomes necessary.
Convalescence is usually short.
A small incision may be made in front of the ear to remove tissue for use in the operation. Using the operating microscope, the ear drum is turned forward and the fixed stepes is removed. The ear drum is then replaced in its normal position and the ear canal is filled with ointment. The stapes prosthesis allows sound vibrations t again pass from the ear drum to the inner ear fluids. The hearing improvement obtained is usually permanent.