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Is Tinnitus After A Stapedectomy Normal?

Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016

Question: What to expect after a stapedectomy with ear noise during recovery?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Noise, common. It takes time.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having tinnitus (noise in the ear) post stapedectomy. I would like to ask you few more details.

Is there any hearing loss or vertigo episodes ?
which day of postoperative, I mean duration?

Kindly get back to me with the details.

Noises in the ear (tinnitus) after surgery are unpredictable, but about half the patients that have tinnitus before surgery have significant relief within six weeks of the operation.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (6 hours later)

I am day 10 post surgery. Had dizziness first three days but now that has passed.

I was told that there is gel pac in the ear canal and middle ear that will take time to dissolve (ear canal two weeks, inner ear 4 - 6.) I do use drops to keep ear hydrated. Ear feels full. I do hear some popping and cracking from time to time as well as hearing my heart beat. Buzzing started a day ago.

I do have some hearing and it seems to get a little better every day. Right now muffed and sounds need to be pretty loud for me to hear.

I know there is a time factor in all this and perhaps I am too worried and impatient. The Surgeon will see me in about a week to take out any packing left and clean out the ear.

His office indicated that this is all normal. But I am still concerned that this normal. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
do not worry.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

Yes. They are all commonest symptoms in postoperative phase and will be resolved on their own with course of time.

Have patience, and follow precautionary measures (avoid water per ear, do not blow and avoid common cold episodes (stop taking freezer products (curd/ice creams) in recovery phase and avoid air travel for 3-6months).

All the best.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)

Thank you for reassurance.

I have been very careful about bending over below the waist, sneezing, coughing. Blowing nose very gently - no water in ear by protecting it with cotton and Vaseline while showering. No heaving lifting. I do feel a bit of air pressure coming up from stomach passing by the ET not painful. If I tug the earlobe a bit I can hear some crackling, I am guessing it is the packing. My ET does open and close in response to air pressure with no pain. So I am guessing that is normal as well.
I do not plan to air travel for at least 3 months, although the Surgeon said after 3 weeks was ok. Seems a little too early to me.

Thank you again. Helps to share.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
All the best.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Kindly follow the precautions strictly.

All the best. Take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng