Stapedectomy is a surgical procedure to treat hearing loss caused by a condition known as otosclerosis, which is characterized by the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear. The stapes bone, one of the three small bones in the middle ear responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear, becomes fixed or immobile due to the growth of bone, leading to hearing loss.

During a stapedectomy, the surgeon removes the stapes bone and replaces it with a small prosthesis, which allows sound to be transmitted to the inner ear more effectively. The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia and typically takes about an hour to complete.

After the surgery, patients may experience some dizziness, ringing in the ears, or mild to moderate hearing loss. However, this is typically temporary and improves over time. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. Stapedectomy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for otosclerosis-related hearing loss, although as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.