anyone got otosclerosis and have had a stapedectomy

[emj]

Hi all - looking for some advice as I have otosclerosis and could have a stapedectomy in both ears to improve my hearing I have avoided it so far as I used to do an awful lot of diving, and medical opinion up until recently was that you would have to give up diving after a stapedecotmy. Would love to hear from anyone who ahs had this surgery and is still diving..

Thanks!

[Christopher Bullion]

Hi,
Just to clarify, the problem you're describing is with the stapes (a stirrup shaped bone in the middle ear) being in a fixed position, and not able to transmit sound effectively, leading to a loss of hearing. The procedure you describe involves removal of the stapes bone and replacing it with a prosthesis, which should improve your hearing (over 90% of those with otosclerosis have a dramatic improvement in hearing post op.).

Now, there are several side effects (though unlikely) you need to be aware of, which (certainly in the short to medium term) preclude you from diving. These are:

Facial palsy
Vertigo in the immediate post op period
Vomiting
Floating foot plate (Can be corrected by further surgery)
Tympanic membrane tear (This heals after a few weeks to months)
Dead labyrinth (Not good.. deafness in that ear follows)
Perilymph fistula (a leakage of fluid into the middle ear)
Labyrinthitis (a balance disorder caused by swelling.)I assume a hearing aid is not effective, or not desireable.

In the long term, you'll need to discuss this with your consultant, if you haven't done so already. If you have any further concerns, please avail yourself of the UKSDMC, and have a word with them.

Good luck!

[emj]

Thanks for that Chris, have you had this procedure yourself? I have, as you mention, had hearing aids for the last ten years, but the thought of not having to use them for the rest of my life is very tempting...

[Christopher Bullion]

No, I'm a Clinician, though not in this field. I'm a Neurologist. Glad my info hepled!