The wire stapes prosthesis allows sound vibrations to again pass from the eardrum membrane to the inter. The hearing improvement obtained is usually permanent. Stapes surgery can usually be done on an outpatient basis. Upon occasion the person is admitted overnight and may return to work in seven to ten days depending on the occupational requirements. One should not plan to drive a car home from the hospital.
Air travel is permissible three weeks following surgery.
Automobile travel is usually permissible immediately. The stapes operation can be performed on previously fenestrated ears, providing the hearing nerve function is essentially the same as necessary for an initial stapes operation. If the hearing improves at the time of surgery, it usually regresses in a few hours due to swelling in the ear. Improvement in hearing may be apparent within three weeks of surgery. Maximum hearing, however, is obtained in approximately four months.