Q: What is a Stapedectomy surgery?
A: Stapedectomy is the ear surgery to treat the problem caused by hearing loss called otosclerosis which may cause the build up of bone around the stapes. The bone formation makes hamper the movement of the stapes causing hear loss called conductive hear loss.

Q: What is the procedure used to treat Otosclerosis?
A: Osteosclerosis is the formation of bone in the middle ear resulting in hears loss which can be corrected by the surgical procedure called stapedectomy or by using hearing aids.  
 

Q: Does Otosclerosis cause deafness?
A: It is a condition usually caused by the formation of bone in the ears that often causes more problems to one ear than the other. If the condition is not treated well it may cause hearing loss which worsens till the late middle age to develop complete deafness. 

Q: How much time the surgery usually take?
A: The surgery usually takes between 1-1.5 hrs. The surgery needs an anaesthetic either local or general which induces drowsiness.  The position of the head will be moved at certain stages during the surgery to avoid the complications of still position for longer time.

Q: How will it be known that the surgery is a success?
A slight hearing improvement will be visible at the end of the surgery. In most of the patients much improvement will be noticed until two weeks after surgery. It may take up to six weeks after the surgery to get the desired result.  

    
Q: Does Osclerosis happen to both ears?
A: The condition may affect both the ears but usually one ear will be more affected than the other. The surgery will be done usually on the worse hearing side and can proceed to other ear after achieving stable result on the first side. The surgery cannot be done simultaneously on both the ears as there is a risk of hearing loss in the ear after the surgery. Some patients may choose the option of bilateral surgery after agreeing to the possible risks of the surgery.

Q: Is Otosclerosis related to pregnancy?
A: Otosclerosis sometimes may present during pregnancy as many women notice the hearing impairment during pregnancy due to the changes in hormone levels that affects otosclerotic bone. 

Q: Who are the people most affected with Otosclerosis?
A: Otosclerosis is the most common condition of hear loss affecting the young adults. It is mostly common in women than men typically beginning at young to mid adulthood.  

Q: How to diagnose Otosclerosis?
A: Otosclerosis can be diagnosed by the doctors who specialize in treating hearing disorders such as an otolaryngologist using audiogram, tympanogram and also CT scans.

Q: How does Otosclerosis cause hearing loss?
A: The abnormal growth of the bone at the base of stapes in the middle ear interferes with the sound to reach the ear drum which cause hearing loss either in one ear or both. 

Q: Is Otosclerosis an Autoimmune disorder?
A: The etiology of otosclerosis is an autoimmune-inflammatory disorder. Its etiopathogenesis includes measles virus infection, anti-collagen autoimmunity, inflammation, bone loss, organotropism, hormonal and metabolic factors.

Q: Does the bone in the ear break?
A: Cartilage is the connecting part in between ear tissue and bone. It cannot be broken but may become blunt due to the blunt trauma caused to it. Most of the times the trauma may heal on its own  but should be checked by the doctor with some indications such as hearing loss, buzzing sound and pain.
 

Q: What is ear Cholesteatoma?
A: This is a non malignant abnormal growth that develops in the middle ear behind the ear drum. It may be caused due to repeated middle ear infections or may be a birth defect.  It usually develops as a cyst which shed off the old skin frequently.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a medical visa to India?
A: The patient must have a valid visa and passport along with the treatment plan in reputed hospital approved by the government of India. The patient may accompany two attendants on the same visa with a maximum of 3 entries per year.