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Clogged ear after surgery with hearing loss

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Ever since my stapedectomy surgery, I’ve been having major problems with my ear. It constantly feels clogged, almost like there’s a foreign object inside. Along with that, I have a loud rushing tinnitus. When I try to do a pressure equalization using the Valsalva maneuver, my ear opens briefly, then it cracks and closes again. Sometimes I also hear a ticking sound in my ear, like the second hand of a wristwatch. High-pitched sounds come through very scratchy, which is really uncomfortable. My hearing (conductive hearing loss) keeps getting worse, and I’m afraid of going deaf. I feel desperate and haven’t found any help from doctors. Has anyone gone through something similar and can offer advice?

Hello @Kerstin welcome to the forum

How long ago was the stapedectomy? If it very recent surgery, this clogged feeling is normal. It’s most likely post op serous ooze from surgery.

I had this clogged feeling after surgery. It took about 6-8 weeks to slowly be reabsorbed.

If the surgery is not recent you need to possibly see your surgeon.

Hi. I agree with @Deaf_piper. I had the same clogged feeling & ticking sounds for a few weeks immediately after my stapedectomy. But it went away after a while. You should consult your if the feeling persists.

I am so sorry you’re going through this. The post-stapedectomy recovery can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when symptoms feel like a step backward.:grinning_face:

Based on common clinical experiences and similar cases, here are a few points to consider and discuss with your surgeon:

  1. Avoid the Valsalva Maneuver: Please be very careful with “popping” your ears. After a stapedectomy, the prosthesis (the small piston used to replace the bone) is delicate. Forced pressure can sometimes displace it or cause a perilymph fistula (a small leak of inner ear fluid), which might explain the “rushing” sound and fluctuating hearing.
  2. The “Ticking” and “Scratchy” Sound: The ticking (like a watch) can sometimes be related to muscle spasms in the middle ear (middle ear myoclonus) or the prosthesis shifting. The “scratchy” high-pitched sounds (distortions) are common when the inner ear is still inflamed or if the prosthesis is rubbing against something.
  3. Conductive Loss Regression: If your hearing was better immediately after surgery but is now worse, it could be due to displacement of the prosthesis, fluid buildup (serous otitis media), or excessive scar tissue (granulations).
  4. Seek a Second Opinion: If your original surgeon isn’t providing answers, please look for an Otologist or Neurotologist (ear specialists who focus specifically on complex surgeries). A simple scan of the temporal bone can often show if the prosthesis is still in the correct position.

Hang in there. Don’t lose hope—many of these mechanical issues can be corrected once properly diagnosed.

:smiley:

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