A stapedectomy can lead to which possible outcomes?

A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at treating conductive hearing loss, particularly due to otosclerosis, where the stapes (one of the middle ear bones) becomes immobilized. The correct answer indicates that a stapedectomy can lead to both resolving or minimizing conductive hearing loss and potentially exacerbating any pre-existing sensorineural hearing loss.

When conductive hearing loss is present due to the stapes being fixed, the stapedectomy aims to eliminate this physical barrier to sound transmission, which can successfully restore hearing for those specific frequencies that were affected. Thus, many patients experience improved or normalized hearing after the procedure, addressing the conductive component of their hearing loss.

On the other hand, while the primary goal of the surgery is to improve conductive hearing loss, it can unintentionally impact any underlying sensorineural hearing loss. Such complications may arise due to changes in the ear's anatomy or as a result of the surgical procedure itself, potentially leading to an exacerbation of already existing sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by issues beyond the middle ear structures. Therefore, acknowledging both possibilities reflects the full spectrum of outcomes associated with stapedectomy.