ENT specialists perform different types of ear surgeries to treat infections, hearing problems, or structural issues. These procedures can relieve pain, restore hearing, and improve ear function. Below are the most common ear surgeries done in ENT care.
1. Myringotomy (Ear Tube Surgery)
In a myringotomy, the surgeon makes a small cut in the eardrum to drain fluid or pus. A tiny ventilation tube helps air flow freely and prevents future infections.
🩺 Doctors often recommend this procedure for children with frequent ear infections.
2. Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair Surgery)
Tympanoplasty repairs a torn or perforated eardrum and sometimes the small ear bones. This surgery restores hearing and reduces ear discharge.
🩺 It benefits people with chronic ear infections or hearing loss from eardrum damage.
3. Mastoidectomy
During a mastoidectomy, the surgeon removes infected air cells from the mastoid bone behind the ear. This clears up deep infections or a cholesteatoma, a skin growth that damages nearby structures.
🩺 It helps stop the spread of infection and protects hearing.
4. Stapedectomy (Otosclerosis Surgery)
A stapedectomy replaces the stapes bone with a small prosthesis. The new bone helps sound waves travel properly, improving hearing in people with otosclerosis.
🩺 This procedure can greatly improve conductive hearing loss.
5. Cochlear Implant Surgery
Cochlear implants help people with severe hearing loss who don’t benefit from hearing aids. The device bypasses the damaged ear parts and sends sound directly to the auditory nerve.
🩺 It can help both adults and children regain hearing ability.
6. Ossiculoplasty (Middle Ear Bone Reconstruction)
In ossiculoplasty, the ENT surgeon repairs or replaces the ossicles—the tiny middle ear bones. This rebuilds the sound pathway and improves hearing.
🩺 It’s often used when infection or injury damages the ear bones.
7. Canalplasty
Canalplasty widens or reshapes a narrow ear canal caused by infection, bone growth, or birth defects. The surgery allows better sound flow and ear ventilation.
🩺 It improves hearing and prevents recurring ear blockages.
8. Labyrinthectomy and Vestibular Nerve Section
These surgeries treat severe vertigo that does not improve with medicine.
- In a labyrinthectomy, the surgeon removes the inner ear balance organ.
- In a vestibular nerve section, the balance nerve is cut to stop false balance signals.
🩺 They are usually last-resort options for conditions like Meniere’s disease.
Final Thoughts
From simple ear tube placement to advanced cochlear implants, ENT surgeons perform a wide range of ear surgeries to restore hearing and comfort. If you face persistent ear infections, hearing loss, or dizziness, visit an ENT specialist for the right treatment.