Ear Surgery

Treatment for ear diseases, including hearing loss, tumors and structural issues, often includes surgery. At Henry Ford Health System, you are in caring and capable hands. Our neurotologists and otologists deliver the best available therapies with high success rates.

You have access to a broad range of procedures, some of which are not widely available in Michigan. Our offerings include stapedectomy, mastoidectomy, cholesteatoma surgery, and middle ear (ossicular chain) reconstruction.

Ear surgery at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

You benefit from the expertise of board-certified neurotologists and otologists. These doctors completed additional training through fellowships in ear disease. We use research-based methods and offer a depth of experience to give you the best chances of healing. Meet our team.

Highlights of our program include:

• Advanced options: We perform complex procedures to treat diseases and repair structures deep within your ear. Offerings include fixing holes in the eardrum and removing tumors and cyst-like growths. Our experience from performing a high volume helps more people achieve excellent results.
• Hearing implants: Henry Ford offers the highest level of care for hearing loss, including newly approved hearing implants. Our services restore hearing and improve quality of life in people who previously thought they had no other options. Find out more about hearing implants.
• Precision: We use the latest techniques to perform ear surgery with a high degree of precision. Many cases involve endoscopic-assisted technologies that minimize disruption to healthy tissue. Our experts also use real-time nerve monitoring whenever necessary to protect delicate tissue during your procedure.
• Coordination: Neurotologists, otologists, audiologists, psychologists and other experts are in regular communication through case conferences. These efforts ensure you receive the right therapies for your needs. For complex conditions, such as skull base tumors, we perform procedures alongside Henry Ford’s renowned neurosurgeons.

Second opinions for ear surgery

It’s natural to be nervous when considering ear surgery. Our neurotologists and otologists give you peace of mind by providing a second opinion. Even if you are not a Henry Ford patient, or do not live in south central Michigan, we can help you.

We often provide personalized recommendations based on audiology reports, imaging and your symptoms. If imaging is necessary, you undergo these scans with a local provider. Many patients receive second opinions without an office visit through our virtual care services.

Types of ear surgery we offer

We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the type and severity of ear disease. Your care may include advanced audiology assessments or balance testing. This information helps us determine whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure is best for your needs. Find out more about ear disease evaluation and diagnosis.

Types of ear procedures we offer include:

• Ear tubes: We implant ear tubes in children to relieve chronic ear infections. Ear tubes may also be necessary in adults with chronic ear infections or fluid buildup
• Cholesteatoma surgery: Neurotologists and otologists use a variety of techniques to remove noncancerous skin cysts from the middle ear. The option that’s right for you depends on the size and precise location of the cyst.
• Lateral skull base surgery: Working alongside specialized otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons, we remove tumors on the sides of the skull base near the ear. Read more about skull base tumors.
• Ossicular chain reconstruction: Neurotologists and otologists remove one or more middle ear bones if they are not functioning correctly. We replace them with a human-made device.
• Stapedectomy: This procedure removes a small bone (stapes) in the middle ear. You may need a stapedectomy if abnormal bony growths prevent the stapes from working. We replace the bone with a human-made device.
• Tympanoplasty: We use this procedure to repair a hole in the eardrum that does not heal on its own. Eardrums sometimes get holes after an ear infection, injury or previous surgery. Treating these holes can help you avoid hearing loss.