Before you agree
Make sure you can answer, in your own words, what the operation is for, what result is expected, what the main risks are, and what the alternatives were. The questions before ear surgery page lists them. If you cannot, ask again before signing.
Practical arrangements
- Time off. Most middle-ear operations need one to two weeks away from desk work and longer from physical work; discuss the specifics for your operation.
- Transport and company. You will not be able to drive after a general anaesthetic, and it is wise to have someone with you for the first night.
- Flying and travel. Do not book flights for the weeks after surgery until your surgeon has told you when it is safe; see flying after ear surgery.
- Hearing during recovery. The operated ear will be blocked for some weeks. If it is your better ear, plan for reduced hearing at work and at home.
Medication and health
Tell the team about all medication, especially blood thinners and aspirin, which may need to be paused, and about allergies, previous anaesthetics and any bleeding tendency. Stop smoking if you can — it impairs graft healing and Eustachian-tube function. A cold or ear infection in the days before surgery may mean postponement; tell the clinic.
The day itself
Follow the fasting instructions. Wash your hair the evening before; you will not be able to wet the ear for some time afterwards. Leave jewellery and hearing aids at home or in your bag. Expect a final check of the plan and of which ear is being operated on — this repetition is a safety measure, not indecision.
Anaesthesia
Most middle-ear operations, including stapedotomy in most centres, are done under general anaesthesia, which guarantees complete stillness for work measured in tenths of a millimetre. Some centres offer stapedotomy under local anaesthesia with sedation, which lets the surgeon check hearing and dizziness during the procedure. The choice depends on the operation, the centre and you; the anaesthetic consultation beforehand is the moment to go through your history and medication.
Set the measure in advance
Ask when the result will be assessed and by which test. A hearing test at three to six months is usual for hearing operations. Knowing this in advance prevents both premature disappointment and premature celebration.
Pre-operative checklist
Confirm the audiogram is recent (within 6 months) with masked bone conduction, speech scores, tympanometry and reflexes; imaging reviewed where indicated; contralateral ear documented; correct side marked and cross-checked; anticoagulant plan agreed; consent covering the specific objectives, the numeric risks including sensorineural loss, dizziness, taste change, facial nerve, and the possibility of abandoning or changing the procedure on intraoperative findings; the outcome measure and timing recorded in the notes.
This page provides general educational information. It cannot replace an individual assessment, which depends on a full history, examination, audiometry and, where relevant, imaging. If you have sudden hearing loss, severe pain, facial weakness, severe dizziness or discharge with fever, seek medical care promptly.