What is a stapedectomy?

A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the stapes, which is one of the three small bones in the middle ear, known as ossicles. The stapes plays a crucial role in the conduction of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. When the stapes becomes immobilized, often due to a condition called otosclerosis, it can lead to hearing loss. The stapedectomy aims to improve hearing by removing the affected stapes and usually replacing it with a prosthetic device. This procedure helps restore the proper functioning of the middle ear, facilitating better sound transmission to the inner ear.

Other options describe different surgical procedures unrelated to a stapedectomy. The removal of the ear canal pertains to a different type of surgery not typically associated with hearing improvement. The removal of the eardrum, known as a tympanectomy, involves addressing issues with the eardrum rather than the ossicles. Repair of the cochlea refers to treatments for inner ear conditions, which are quite different from what a stapedectomy entails. Understanding the specific focus of a stapedectomy clarifies its importance in treating certain types of hearing loss.