Detubation Surgery for Hearing Loss: Improving Hearing and Reducing Tinnitus

Detubation is a surgical procedure to remove the tube-like structure (tubules) in the inner ear that are responsible for hearing and balance. This procedure is usually performed on individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants.

The goal of detubation is to improve hearing and reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears) by removing the tubules that are causing the hearing loss. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves making an incision behind the ear to access the inner ear.

During the procedure, the surgeon will use a specialized instrument called a detuber to remove the tubules. The detuber is inserted through the incision and used to carefully remove the tubules while preserving as much of the delicate inner ear structure as possible.

After the procedure, the patient may need to wear a hearing aid or other assistive device to improve their hearing. The success of detubation depends on the individual case and the extent of the hearing loss, but it can be an effective way to improve hearing and reduce tinnitus in some cases.