Like any surgical procedure, a stapedectomy carries the risk of complications. While the procedure helps about 80% to 90% of people with otosclerosis, it may not be successful in some cases. In rare instances, your hearing may even be worse after surgery. Some other potential complications include:

• Feeling dizzy immediately after your surgery and for the next few days.
• Losing your sense of taste on the side of your tongue. This symptom typically goes away after a few months.
• Developing tinnitus, or ringing in your ear.
• Your hearing may not improve or it may get worse after surgery. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend doing additional surgery. They may also recommend using hearing aids.