Treatment Options for stapedectomy are designed to restore hearing in patients affected by otosclerosis, a condition that immobilizes the stapes bone in the middle ear. This page guides international patients through the full spectrum of care available at Liv Hospital, from the initial diagnosis to long‑term rehabilitation. Each option is evaluated for safety, effectiveness, and suitability for diverse health profiles.
Stapedectomy is one of the most successful ear surgeries worldwide, boasting a success rate of over 90% when performed by experienced otologic surgeons. Liv Hospital’s JCI‑accredited team combines cutting‑edge technology with personalized patient support, ensuring a seamless experience for those traveling from abroad.
Whether you are considering a traditional microscopic approach, a laser‑assisted technique, or exploring non‑surgical alternatives, understanding the nuances of each treatment option helps you make an informed decision in partnership with your surgeon.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Stapedectomy involves replacing the immobilized stapes with a prosthetic device to re‑establish the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear. The procedure is most commonly indicated for patients with conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, but it may also be considered in cases of congenital fixation or trauma.
Key indicators for surgery include:
Before selecting a specific treatment option, a comprehensive evaluation is performed, which typically includes high‑resolution CT imaging, audiometry, and a detailed medical history. This assessment helps the surgical team determine the most appropriate approach and anticipate potential challenges.
The classic microscopic stapedectomy remains the gold standard in many centers. Using an operating microscope, the surgeon visualizes the middle‑ear structures and carefully removes the footplate of the stapes before inserting a titanium or fluoroplastic prosthesis.
Advantages of the conventional method include a long track record of success and the ability to address complex anatomical variations. However, it requires a high level of microsurgical skill and may involve a slightly longer operative time.
Below is a comparison of the two most common conventional techniques:
Both approaches aim to achieve a stable prosthetic fit while minimizing trauma to the inner ear. The choice between a full stapedectomy and a partial technique depends on the thickness of the footplate and the surgeon’s assessment of intra‑operative stability.
Advancements in technology have introduced laser‑assisted stapedectomy, which utilizes precise energy beams (CO₂ or KTP lasers) to vaporize the footplate. This method reduces mechanical manipulation, potentially lowering the risk of inner‑ear damage.
Robotic‑enhanced systems, still emerging in otology, provide tremor‑free instrument control and three‑dimensional visualization. While not yet standard, early clinical data suggest comparable hearing outcomes with reduced intra‑operative fatigue for the surgeon.
Key benefits of these modern treatment options include:
Considerations for patients include the availability of equipment, surgeon experience, and insurance coverage. At Liv Hospital, both laser‑assisted and robotic‑enhanced procedures are offered within a dedicated otologic suite, ensuring that international patients have access to the latest innovations.
For patients who are not surgical candidates—due to medical comorbidities, advanced age, or personal preference—conservative options focus on maximizing residual hearing and quality of life.
These alternatives include:
While these approaches do not restore normal hearing, they can provide significant functional improvement. A multidisciplinary team—including audiologists, ENT specialists, and rehabilitation therapists—creates a personalized plan that aligns with the patient’s lifestyle and expectations.
Successful outcomes begin with meticulous pre‑operative planning. At Liv Hospital, the international patient pathway includes the following steps:
All documents are translated into the patient’s native language, and a dedicated interpreter is available throughout the hospital stay. Transportation from the airport, accommodation arrangements, and a 24‑hour concierge service ensure a stress‑free experience for those traveling from abroad.
After stapedectomy, patients are monitored for hearing improvement, vertigo, and any signs of infection. Typical post‑operative protocols include:
Rehabilitation may involve auditory training sessions with a licensed audiologist, especially for patients who receive a prosthesis after a prolonged period of hearing loss. Liv Hospital’s international care team coordinates virtual follow‑up appointments for patients who return to their home country, ensuring continuity of care.
Liv Hospital combines JCI accreditation, a multilingual support team, and state of the art otologic facilities to deliver world‑class care for stapedectomy patients. International travelers benefit from a seamless experience that includes visa assistance, airport transfers, and personalized accommodation options near the hospital campus. Our surgeons are members of leading global ENT societies and regularly publish outcomes data, guaranteeing evidence‑based treatment choices.
Ready to restore your hearing with confidence? Contact Liv Hospital’s International Patient Services today to schedule a personalized consultation and begin your journey toward clearer sound.
Liv Hospital Ulus
Asst. Prof. MD. Mustafa Taştan
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Abdulkadir Özgür
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Ömer Erdur
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Ahmet Hakan Birkent
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Arzu Yasemin Korkut
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Selçuk Güneş
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Musa Musayev
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Sevim Pırıl Karasu
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Hakan Göçmen
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Kamil Hakan Kaya
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Spec. MD. Murat Benzer
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Op. MD. Ayfer Ulçay
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Op. MD. Recep Haydar Koç
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Prof. MD. Yaşar Çokkeser
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Asst. Prof. MD. Bahar Kayahan Sirkeci
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Asst. Prof. MD. Merve Tunca
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Op. MD. Sevinç Bayrak
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Doğan Atan
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Taylan Gün
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Assoc. Prof. MD. Mustafa Çelik
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Op. MD. Tunç Üstün
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Op. MD. Yunus Karadavut
Otorhinolaryngology
Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü
Spec. MD. REŞAD QUVALOV
Otorhinolaryngology
Op. MD. Aydın Eroğlu
Otorhinolaryngology
Spec. MD. Reşad Guvalov
Otorhinolaryngology
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Stapedectomy involves removing the footplate of the stapes and inserting a titanium or fluoroplastic prosthesis to re‑establish sound transmission to the inner ear. It is most commonly indicated when patients experience progressive conductive hearing loss that does not improve with hearing aids, an air‑bone gap greater than 20 dB on audiometry, or persistent tinnitus/aural fullness affecting quality of life. A thorough pre‑operative work‑up—including high‑resolution CT, audiometry, and medical history—helps confirm suitability and plan the surgical approach.
In a standard microscopic stapedectomy the surgeon removes the whole stapes footplate and places a full prosthesis, typically requiring a 0.5–0.7 cm incision and 45–60 minutes of operating time, with a recovery of 1–2 weeks. Partial stapedectomy involves fenestrating the footplate, using a smaller incision (0.4–0.6 cm) and a shorter operative time of 30–45 minutes, allowing patients to return to light duties within a week. The choice depends on footplate thickness, intra‑operative stability, and surgeon preference.
Laser‑assisted stapedectomy replaces manual drilling with a focused laser beam that precisely ablates the footplate. This minimizes bone vibration and reduces the need for forceful manipulation, which can protect delicate inner‑ear structures. Benefits include less postoperative vertigo, shorter operative time in experienced hands, and potentially faster auditory recovery. However, the technique requires specialized equipment and surgeon expertise, and availability may vary between centers.
For patients who cannot undergo surgery due to comorbidities, age, or personal choice, conservative management focuses on maximizing residual hearing. Custom‑fit hearing aids amplify sound for mild‑to‑moderate conductive loss. Bone‑conduction devices—either implanted or external—bypass the middle ear entirely. Pharmacologic agents like sodium fluoride or bisphosphonates have been studied to slow otosclerotic progression, but clinical data remain inconclusive. A multidisciplinary team tailors these options to each patient’s lifestyle and expectations.
Liv Hospital’s international pathway starts with medical clearance, where the patient’s primary physician reviews cardiac, respiratory, and hematologic status. Imaging includes high‑resolution temporal bone CT and, when indicated, MRI to map anatomy. Baseline pure‑tone audiometry and speech‑in‑noise testing establish hearing levels. Patients receive translated education materials and a dedicated interpreter, while logistics such as airport transfer, accommodation, and visa assistance are arranged to ensure a stress‑free experience.
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