Ossicular chain reconstruction in Turkey: Surgical restoration of middle ear conduction

Reconstruction of the ossicular chain: Why?

Several factors can damage the ossicles, including :

• Chronic middle ear infections.
• Head trauma.
• Tumors.
• Birth defects.
• Otosclerosis (a disease that stiffens the stapes).

The aim of surgery is to restore sound transmission and thus improve your hearing.

Signs of ossicular chain damage

Damage to the ossicular chain generally manifests itself as :

Decreased hearing: sounds are perceived as attenuated, weaker or duller.
Tinnitus: the perception of parasitic noises (whistling, buzzing, etc.) in the ear may be continuous or intermittent.
Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or imbalance may accompany the other symptoms.

Other symptoms may also be present, such as a feeling of fullness in the ear or ear pain.

If you suspect damage to the ossicular chain, you should consult an ENT doctor for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Risk factors for ossicular damage

The ossicles of the middle ear are vulnerable to a variety of risk factors that can lead to damage or dysfunction. These include :

• Chronic infections: repeated ear infections and cholesteatoma can stiffen or destroy the ossicles.
• Head trauma: fractures or direct injury can affect the structure of the ossicles.
• Tumors: benign or malignant formations can compress or invade the ossicles.
• Congenital malformations: present from birth, these can alter the structure or function of the ossicles.
• Otosclerosis: this disease, often hereditary, leads to the formation of abnormal bone around the stapes, limiting its mobility.

Ossicular chain reconstruction in Turkey

Hearing loss caused by damage to the ossicles can often be improved through a surgical procedure known as ossicular reconstruction (ossiculoplasty). In Turkey, our partner centers offer this operation.

Pre-operative phase

Before the operation, a full medical check-up will be carried out to assess your general state of health. An audiogram and CT scan are usually performed as part of this check-up, to assess hearing function and ear anatomy.

The surgeon will explain the planned procedure in detail, as well as the associated risks. Finally, you will receive pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before the procedure and shaving a small area around the ear if needed.

Course of the intervention

The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia and lasts about one to two hours. Depending on the damage, the surgeon reshapes or replaces the damaged ossicles with a biocompatible prosthesis, cartilage or bone taken from your own body. This reconstruction restores the continuity of the ossicular chain, with the aim of improving your hearing.

Post-operative care

After the operation, you will be monitored in the recovery room. Medication will relieve any pain. A dressing and packing protect your ear. Follow your surgeon's instructions to support healing.

The hospital stay is generally short, often one night.

Recovery after ossicular chain reconstruction

Reconstruction of the ossicular chain is a delicate procedure requiring careful convalescence, which varies from patient to patient.

Relative rest is recommended in the first weeks after surgery. Avoid strenuous physical effort, and protect the operated ear from water for several weeks.

Regular post-operative consultations are necessary to monitor healing, assess hearing recovery and adjust treatment if necessary.

Hearing often improves after reconstruction of the ossicular chain, but the result varies with the damage and the technique. Hearing recovery is gradual and can take several weeks or even months.

Complications and side effects

Like all surgical procedures, ossicular chain reconstruction involves risks. Possible complications include:

• Ear infection, requiring antibiotic treatment.
• Bleeding in the operated ear, sometimes requiring additional surgery.
• Temporary dizziness and tinnitus.
• Hearing loss: in some cases, hearing does not improve or gets worse. Rarely, the inner ear is damaged, with a severe and permanent hearing loss.
• Change in taste on one side of the tongue.
• Displacement or extrusion of the prosthesis or graft, which may require further surgery.
• Rarely, weakness of the facial nerve.

Following your surgeon's recommendations after the operation helps reduce these risks.