About Otology
Key Highlights
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Specialized focus on complex ear anatomy and delicate structures.Can restore or significantly improve hearing through surgical intervention.Addresses chronic ear infections that do not respond to medication.Treats debilitating conditions like vertigo and balance disorders.Offers solutions for congenital (present at birth) ear abnormalities.Utilizes advanced technology like surgical microscopes and laser systems for precision./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic otitis media (persistent middle ear infections) with or without cholesteatoma.
- Significant conductive or sensorineural hearing loss.
- Perforated or severely damaged eardrum (tympanic membrane).
- Otosclerosis, a condition causing progressive hearing loss.
- Severe Ménière's disease or other vestibular disorders causing intractable vertigo.
- Tumors of the ear, such as acoustic neuroma or glomus tumors.
- Trauma to the ear structures.
- Candidates for hearing implants like cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive audiological evaluation (hearing tests) and vestibular testing.
- Imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI of the temporal bone to visualize ear anatomy.
- Detailed consultation with the otologist to discuss the procedure, goals, and risks.
- Pre-operative medical clearance, which may include blood tests and an ECG.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery if general anesthesia is planned.
- Arranging for transportation and post-operative care at home.
Risks & possible complications
- Altered taste or numbness in the tongue (due to nerve proximity).
- Facial nerve injury, which can cause temporary or permanent facial weakness.
- Persistent dizziness or vertigo.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) may persist or worsen.
- Hearing loss, including the rare risk of complete deafness in the operated ear.
- Infection or bleeding at the surgical site.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, a rare but serious complication.
- Failure of the graft or prosthesis, requiring revision surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically required for 1-2 days post-surgery for monitoring.
- The ear will be packed with dressing, and a head bandage is often applied.
- Patients must keep the ear completely dry; no swimming and careful showering is advised.
- Avoid blowing the nose forcefully, sneezing with an open mouth, and heavy lifting.
- Prescribed antibiotics and pain medications should be taken as directed.
- Follow-up visits are crucial for removing packing, checking the graft, and assessing healing.
- Hearing improvement may not be immediate and can take several weeks to months as swelling subsides.
- Avoid air travel until cleared by the surgeon, due to pressure changes.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks for initial recovery; up to 3-6 months for full hearing stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering otology in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for otology in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform otology. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for otology compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 300 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 2-6 weeks for initial recovery; up to 3-6 months for full hearing stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 1.05 Million | 1-2 days | ~ 2-6 weeks for initial recovery; up to 3-6 months for full hearing stabilization | Know More |
Top hospitals for Otology in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing otology.
Navya Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Navya Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid swimmer, had been struggling with recurring ear infections for over a year. Her symptoms included persistent itching, a feeling of fullness, and occasional muffled hearing in her right ear, which flared up after every swimming session. Despite repeated courses of antibiotic eardrops, the problem kept returning, affecting her concentration at work and her ability to enjoy her primary hobby. Her ENT specialist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a procedure called a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy to remove the chronically infected tissue (cholesteatoma) in her middle ear and mastoid bone, and to repair her eardrum. Navya was terrified at the prospect of ear surgery, fearing permanent hearing loss or facial nerve damage. The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, went smoothly. The recovery involved keeping her ear dry, avoiding strenuous activity, and using prescribed antibiotic drops. After six weeks, her follow-up audiogram showed significant improvement. The chronic itching and fullness were gone, and her hearing was restored. Emotionally, Navya transitioned from anxiety and frustration about the relentless cycle of infection to immense relief and gratitude. She felt she had regained control over her health and could look forward to returning to the pool without fear.
ENT Specialists for Otology
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform otology and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore