The following are some of the possible complications and risks associated with these procedures. In addition to those listed, there may be unforeseen complications with any operative procedure.

Dizziness: Some unsteadiness is common during the first few postoperative days. Dizziness with sudden head motion may persist for several weeks. On rare occasions dizziness is prolonged.

Taste Disturbance and Mouth Dryness: This is not uncommon for a few weeks following surgery. In 5% of the patients this disturbance is prolonged.

Loss of hearing: Further hearing loss develops in 2% of patients due to some complications in the healing process. In I% this hearing loss is very severe and may prevent the use of a hearing aid in the operated ear.

Tinnitus: Should the hearing be worse following stapedectomy, tinnitus (head noise) may occur or be more pronounced.

Eardrum Perforation: A perforation (hole) in the eardrum membrane develops in less than I% of the patients and is usually due to an infection. Fortunately, the membrane may heal spontaneously. If healing does not occur, surgical repair (myringoplasty) may be required.

Weakness of the Face: A very rare complication of stapedectomy is temporary weakness of the face. This may occur as the result of an abnormality or swelling of a facial nerve.

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