Ossicular Change Discontinuity

Ossicular chain discontinuity happens when the three ossicles get separated so there is no connection from the eardrum to the stapes. The most important symptom is hearing loss. This causes could be hereditary, infection or trauma. An audiogram is usually requested to proof this and sometimes a CT scan is requested to see if the ossicular chain can be visualized but often an inspection of the hearing bones is necessary. This is done under general anesthesia using a microscope or key hole surgery / endoscopic ear surgery. Prosthesis/ bone cement or cartilage is used to rebuild the connection from the eardrum to the stapes.