Otosclerosis

Causes and Risks:
Otosclerosis is an inherited disorder involving the growth of abnormal spongy bone in the middle ear. This growth prevents the stapes (stirrup bone) from vibrating in response to sound waves, thus leading to progressive conductive hearing loss .

Otosclerosis is the most frequent cause of middle ear hearing loss in young adults, affecting about 10% of the population of the U.S. Otosclerosis usually affects both ears, and is most commonly seen in women, 15 to 30 years old.

Risks include a family history of hearing loss and pregnancy (may trigger onset). Caucasians are more susceptible to otosclerosis than others.

Prevention:
There is no known way to prevent this disorder.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
An examination of the ears may rule out other causes of hearing loss .



Treatment:
Otosclerosis may be slowly progressive, and the condition may not require treatment until the extent of hearing loss is significant.

Medications such as oral fluoride, calcium, or vitamin D may help to stabilize the hearing loss, but their benefit has not been proven.

Surgery to remove the stapes and replace it with a prosthesis is curative. This may be total replacement (stapedectomy) or a laser may be used to make a hole in the stapes to allow placement of the prosthesis.

To reduce the risk of complications after surgery:

  • nose blowing is discouraged for 1 week after surgery.
  • avoid people with respiratory or other infections.
  • protect the ears against cold.
  • avoid bending, lifting, straining (may cause dizziness ).
  • avoid loud noises or sudden pressure changes (scuba diving, flying, driving in the mountains) for 6 months, or until healed.

If surgical repair is unsuccessful, hearing loss may occur. Treatment then involves developing skills to cope with deafness , including use of hearing aids or other technology, use of visual cues, and others.

Prognosis:
Otosclerosis is progressive without treatment; however, surgery may restore at least part of hearing. Most complications of surgery correct themselves within a few weeks.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hearing loss occurs.

Call your health care provider if fever , ear pain , dizziness , or other symptoms develop after surgery.


This is an illustration of the external, middle, and inner ear. The detailed section is of the eardrum and the three tiny bones that conduct sound from the drum to the cochlea.