Type of Surgery
Information

Last updated: 11/24/2009
Stapedectomy is a very safe procedure with a relatively low rate of complications. With regard to hearing, about 2% of patients may have additional hearing loss in the operated ear following a stapedectomy; fewer than 1% lose hearing completely in...
the operated ear. About 9% of patients experience disturbances in their sense of taste. Infection, damage to the eardrum, and facial nerve palsy are rare complications that occur in fewer than 0.1% of patients.
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The human ear requires a number of highly specialized anatomical structures in order to transform sound wave energy into actually sounds recognized by the brain. This animation shows the various structures of the outer, middle and inner ear and how they work together to detect sound.
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Other Information
A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure of the middle ear performed to improve hearing. The world's first stapedectomy is credited to Dr. John J. Shea, Jr., performed in May, 1956, the first patient being a 54 year-old housewife who could no longer hear even with a hearing aid. In recent years, Dr. William H. Lippy, from Warren, Ohio, has been credited with a multitude of advances in the surgery including his speciality which is revision surgery.
Other Information
In 2006, more than 50% of all physician office visits were for ears, nose throat, and related structures of the head and neck problems.
From: ENT Associate
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