Ossicular Reconstruction (Ossiculoplasty) Patient Information Leaflet 1. Why am I being offered ossicular reconstruction? You have hearing loss caused by damage or disruption to the ossicles — the three tiny bones in the middle ear ( malleus, incus, and stapes ) that transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. This damage may be due to: Chronic ear infections Cholesteatoma Previous ear surgery Long-standing eardrum perforation Trauma or erosion of the hearing bones Ossicular reconstruction (ossiculoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to improve hearing by rebuilding this sound-conduction mechanism. 2. What is ossicular reconstruction? Ossiculoplasty involves repairing or replacing one or more of the hearing bones using either: Your own tissue (e.g. reshaped ossicles or cartilage), or A biocompatible prosthesis (most commonly titanium) The operation is usually performed alongside: Eardrum repair (tympanoplasty), and/or Mastoid surgery (especially if cholesteatoma i...
Ear cartilage meatoplasty (conchal cartilage reduction) for external ear canal stenosis — an operation to widen the entrance (outer/cartilaginous part) of the ear canal by reshaping/removing the obstructing conchal cartilage and associated soft tissue, so the canal stays open and can ventilate, drain, and be cleaned. Why is this being recommended? Your ear canal is narrowed because the conchal cartilage (the bowl-shaped cartilage at the ear opening) is bulky or positioned in a way that crowds the canal entrance. This can lead to a cycle of wax trapping, recurrent otitis externa/inflammation, discharge, blocked hearing, difficulty examining the eardrum , and repeated need for microsuction. Meatoplasty aims to restore a stable, self-cleaning canal opening and reduce recurrent problems. What benefit can you reasonably expect? The intended benefits are: easier ear toilet/cleaning, fewer blockages and infections, improved access for drops and examination, and (i...