The structures of the ear are very small. Thus, surgery is usually performed with an operating microscope.
The microscope enlarges the view of the ear structures sufficiently so the surgeon can perform the delicate tasks needed.
“OTO” is the Greek word=root for “ear”. Therefore, microsurgery of the ear is often called, “Otomicrosurgery” or “Otologic” surgery. Specialists who perform ear surgery are called “Otologists”. A stapedectomy is an example of an ear operation performed entirely within the view of an operating microscope.