PARTIAL PROSTHESES USED IN HEARING-IMPROVING OPERATIONS ON THE MIDDLE EAR

Hearing impairment affects approximately 430 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to increase to 700 million by 2050. The main causes of ossicular destruction include inflammatory diseases, injuries, tumors, and congenital defects. To restore sound conduction, damaged elements of the auditory chain can be replaced by partial ossicular replacement. The most common materials for ossicles are titanium, hydroxyapatite, and fluoroplastic. Ossicular reconstruction is performed after middle ear pathologies have been corrected. Prosthesis installation requires precise spatial orientation and position control. The use of modern techniques, including biocompatible cement for fixation, significantly increases the chances of surgical success. The effectiveness of partial ossicular replacement is high, provided that the material is chosen correctly, the installation is correct, and there are no complications. Partial ossicular prostheses are an effective method for treating conductive hearing loss. Success depends on the accuracy of diagnosis, choice of material, and surgical skill. Improving the design of prostheses and materials is an important direction for increasing the stability and long-term positive result.