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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Stapedectomies On Both Ears, Clarity In My Right Ear Has Deteriorated. Could A CT Scan Detect This Problem?

I am also getting the run around regarding having an MRI . I have had stapedectomies on both ears. As the clarity in my right ear has deteriorated, the specialist recommended an MRI. The technician felt it should not be done until I am sure that there would not be a problem with the wire prosthesis . So far, no one seems willing to commit. The stapedectomy was performed in the 1970 s. How do I find out what was used at that time. The concern is a possible neuroma . Would a CT scan detect this. Thank you.
Tue, 20 Aug 2013
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ENT Specialist,  's  Response
hello and welcome to HCM,

You seem to be having a unique problem but let us see what we can do about it.
You are right in assuming that a wire prosthesis may have been used and this makes MRI not a possibility also if any metal prosthesis like the titanium was used, even that makes MRI difficult to perfom.

Many a times if the drum is clear, using just a microscope you can examine the ear properly (you can even use otoendoscope) and find out the type of piston used
A CT may not diagnose a metal per say but it will definitely give you a better picture and it can diagnose a teflon piston which can exclude other pistons so go for CT

go for the above two and hope it helps.
Meanwhile remember that a deterioration of hearing after so many years of stapes surgery is normal so do not worry but get it evaluated

take care

Dr Sriram Nathan
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Had Stapedectomies On Both Ears, Clarity In My Right Ear Has Deteriorated. Could A CT Scan Detect This Problem?

hello and welcome to HCM, You seem to be having a unique problem but let us see what we can do about it. You are right in assuming that a wire prosthesis may have been used and this makes MRI not a possibility also if any metal prosthesis like the titanium was used, even that makes MRI difficult to perfom. Many a times if the drum is clear, using just a microscope you can examine the ear properly (you can even use otoendoscope) and find out the type of piston used A CT may not diagnose a metal per say but it will definitely give you a better picture and it can diagnose a teflon piston which can exclude other pistons so go for CT go for the above two and hope it helps. Meanwhile remember that a deterioration of hearing after so many years of stapes surgery is normal so do not worry but get it evaluated take care Dr Sriram Nathan