Purpose: The above procedures are used to diagnose and possibly treat various middle ear conditions.

Potential Indications:

1. Conductive hearing loss from otosclerosis, birth abnormalities, head trauma, or infection
2. Persistent vertigo caused from inner ear membrane rupture
3. Removal of a tumor confined to the middle ear space
4. Removal of a foreign body

Possible Adverse Effects:

Known potential adverse effects include:

1. Dizziness: Some unsteadiness is common during the first few days after surgery. Dizziness on sudden head motion may persist for several week following surgery. On rare cases the dizziness is prolonged.

2. Taste disturbance: Taste disturbance is not uncommon for a few weeks following surgery. In 5 percent of the patients this disturbance is prolonged.

3. Loss of hearing: Further hearing loss develops in 2 percent of patients due to some complication in the healing process. In 1 percent this hearing loss is severe and may prevent the use of an aid in the operated ear.

4. Tinnitus: Should the hearing be worse following surgery, tinnitus (head noise) likewise may be more pronounced.

5. Eardrum perforation: A perforation (hole) in the eardrum develops in less than 1 percent and is usually due to an infection. The eardrum may heal spontaneously. If healing does not occur, surgical repair may be required.

6. Facial weakness: Facial nerve weakness is a very rare complication and is usually temporary. This may occur from abnormal position or from swelling of the nerve.

7. There are risks involved with general anesthesia, but are uncommon. You may discuss these with the anesthesiologist before surgery.