Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is an abnormal sponge-like bone growth near the middle ear that can result in the loss of hearing. The growth prevents the ear from vibrating in response to sound. In time, it can affect the amount and quality of sound to which the ear responds. During its initial stages, the condition will affect low-frequency hearing. Later on, even higher-frequency sounds are filtered as it progresses.

The bony outcrop usually will begin in one ear but will eventually affect both. Some 0.5 percent of the population have been diagnosed with this condition, but post-mortem studies show that as many as one in every ten people may have otosclerotic lesions of their temporal bone. Temporal bones are located at the sides and base of the skull and support that part of the face known as the temple.

What causes otosclerosis?

The actual cause of otosclerosis is yet to be ascertained, but heredity appears to be a key component of the condition.

Aside from genetic factors, among the risks associated with otosclerosis is pregnancy. The condition typically affects Caucasians, but it is also known to manifest itself among ,lacks and Asians, although on a lesser scale. Females are twice as likely to have otosclerosis than males. Otosclerosis can lead to not only conductive hearing loss but nerve loss, as well.

What are the signs of otosclerosis?

A person is likely to have otosclerosis is he or she experiences the following conditions:

• Gradual hearing loss.
• Because it may lead to being tone-deaf, some may report hearing better under noisy environments than quiet areas.
• Tinnitis or a condition where the sufferer would experience constant ringing in the ears.

What exams and tests are needed to diagnose otosclerosis?

As in most cases concerning hearing, an audiometry/audiology examination may be necessary.

Audiometry tests an individual’s hearing ability. Audiometric tests determine the person’s hearing levels with the help of an audiometer, but they may also measure ability to discriminate between different sound intensities, recognize pitch or distinguish speech from background noise.

What is the treatment for otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis may not require treatment until severe hearing problems are experienced.

Among the treatments are:

Is surgery for otosclerosis safe?

As in most surgery, there is a chance of an infection or blood clot. This could lead to complications that can result in complete deafness. During surgery, the patient can also experience dizziness or disorientation as well as pain.