In the United States, an estimated 30 million individuals aged 12 or older are living with some form of hearing loss. If unaddressed, hearing loss can significantly impact one’s quality of life. The spectrum of hearing loss treatments varies, and in certain instances, surgical procedures become necessary.
The type of surgery conducted often depends on the specific hearing loss condition, aiming either to repair ear anatomy or to implant devices like cochlear implants that assist in hearing.
Let’s delve into certain conditions that may necessitate surgical intervention for hearing loss.
Microtia and Atresia
Microtia is a congenital deformity where the external ear is underdeveloped. It is frequently associated with atresia, a condition characterized by a missing, incomplete or closed ear canal, which typically results in conductive hearing loss. The cause of these conditions remains unknown.
Reconstructive surgery is a primary treatment for Microtia and Atresia. In such surgeries, physicians may reconstruct an ear using the patient’s tissue or widen the ear canal to address atresia. Alternatives to surgery include the option for a prosthetic ear.
Patients with atresia may also be candidates for a bone-anchored hearing system. This device transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear via the skull bones. Notably, bone-anchored hearing systems are also applicable for individuals without Microtia or Atresia, such as older adults experiencing profound hearing loss.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis involves the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear and, occasionally, in the inner ear, which gradually leads to hearing loss. This condition may be managed with hearing aids or more direct interventions such as surgery or cochlear implantation.
The surgical procedure for Otosclerosis, known as stapedectomy, entails the placement of a prosthetic bone within the middle ear. This prosthetic circumvents the defective stapes bone, potentially enhancing the individual’s hearing. Should both ears require surgery, they are operated on separately, with a minimum six-month interval between procedures.
Cochlear implants represent another surgical option, functioning by creating an alternative route for sound to reach the brain, bypassing the inner ear. To date, approximately 118,100 adults and 65,000 children in the U.S. have received such implants.
Understanding Surgical Risks
While surgery offers a potential improvement in hearing, it also carries certain risks, including the possibility of facial nerve damage. Other potential complications include ear stiffening, discharge, and infection. It is imperative that all preparatory steps, postoperative care and risks are thoroughly discussed with a doctor before proceeding with surgery.
For those seeking further information on surgical solutions for hearing loss, contact Kampsen Hearing to schedule an appointment.