Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Odd Tastes After Stapedectomy?

HI I had a stapedectomy four weeks ago through a small cut in front of the ear and two weeks ago had the packing removed and debris suctioned out. Then the ear was repacked two weeks ago until 4th November. The last few days I have developed an odd taste in my mouth and food is lacking in taste but I did not notice this post operation and wondered if noticing any damage to the taste nerve might be delayed or if I should contact my surgeon. Thanks.
Tue, 28 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
Dentist,  's  Response
After the stapedectomy complication may occur-
Please consult your doctor
The most serious risk is an increased hearing loss, which occurs in about 1% of patients. Because of this risk, a stapedectomy is usually performed on only one ear at a time.
Less common complications include:
•     temporary change in taste (due to nerve damage) or lack of taste
•     perforated eardrum
•     vertigo that may persist and require surgery
•     damage to the chain of three small bones attached to the eardrum
•     partial facial nerve paralysis
•     ringing in the ears
Severe dizziness or vertigo may be a signal that there has been an incomplete seal between the fluids of the middle and inner ear. If this is the case, the patient needs immediate bed rest, an examination by the ear surgeon, and (rarely) an operation to reopen the eardrum to check the prosthesis.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Odd Tastes After Stapedectomy?

After the stapedectomy complication may occur- Please consult your doctor The most serious risk is an increased hearing loss, which occurs in about 1% of patients. Because of this risk, a stapedectomy is usually performed on only one ear at a time. Less common complications include: • temporary change in taste (due to nerve damage) or lack of taste • perforated eardrum • vertigo that may persist and require surgery • damage to the chain of three small bones attached to the eardrum • partial facial nerve paralysis • ringing in the ears Severe dizziness or vertigo may be a signal that there has been an incomplete seal between the fluids of the middle and inner ear. If this is the case, the patient needs immediate bed rest, an examination by the ear surgeon, and (rarely) an operation to reopen the eardrum to check the prosthesis.