Middle ear surgery

Tympanoplasty with replacement of the ossicles

The three ossicles – the malleus, incus and stapes – are located in the middle ear. They are connected in a movable chain and linked to the eardrum. During the hearing process, they transmit the vibrations of the eardrum through the so-called oval window to the inner ear.

Chronic inflammation in the middle ear can damage the ossicles. This results in conductive hearing loss or combined hearing loss involving the inner ear. Bone infection can spread to the mastoid process of the skull and cause intracranial complications.

Middle ear surgery is performed under a microscope to treat the inflammation and, if necessary, replace the ossicles. The operation takes 1 to 2 hours; we perform it under light general anaesthesia on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Recovery takes just under 2 weeks. You should take it easy during the first week.