What is an Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a condition that causes a type of gradual hearing loss. It is caused by hardening and stiffening (sclerosis) of the bones in the middle part of the ear.

These bones transmit sound from the eardrum to the nerve in the inner ear. When the bones do not work properly, the sound transmission gets disrupted, causing hearing loss (conductive hearing loss).

The most common site of sclerosis is a tiny bone that connects to the inner ear (stapes).

Otosclerosis usually starts in one ear. In most cases, it will eventually involve both ears.

What are the causes?

In many cases, the cause of otosclerosis is not known. However, it can be passed from parent to child (inherited).

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Having a family history of otosclerosis.
• Being female.
• Being pregnant. This may trigger symptoms.
• Being white (Caucasian) or of Asian descent.
• Having a measles infection.
• Having a disorder that affects the body’s disease-fighting system (immune system).
• Having a stress fracture near the inner ear.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The most common symptom is gradual hearing loss that starts in one ear. This symptom is most likely to start between the ages of 15 and 45. Other symptoms may include:

• Dizziness.
• Roaring, ringing, hissing, or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus).
• Balance problems.

Symptoms are likely to affect both ears eventually.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your medical history, including any family history of hearing loss.
• Tests, such as:
  • A hearing test (audiogram) to check for conductive hearing loss.
  • An air pressure test (tympanogram) to check for sound conduction in the middle ear bones.
  • CT scan.

You may need to see a specialist in hearing (audiologist) to be examined and tested.

How is this treated?

If you have mild hearing loss, you may only need follow-up visits to recheck the level of your hearing loss. However, if you have moderate or severe hearing loss, you may need treatment, which may include:

• Fluoride medicine. This is a type of dietary supplement that may slow down the disease. You may receive sodium fluoride in the form of tablets. This treatment is for the early stage of otosclerosis.
• A hearing aid.
• Surgery called a stapedectomy. This is done to replace the stapes bone with an artificial (prosthetic) device.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Avoid exposure to loud noises. If you have to be around loud noises, wear ear protection.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have new symptoms.
• You have worsening symptoms of hearing loss.
• You have hearing loss while pregnant.

Get help right away if:

• You have a sudden loss of hearing.
• You have sudden and severe ear pain, dizziness, or loss of balance.

Summary

• Otosclerosis is a condition that causes a type of gradual hearing loss.
• Otosclerosis usually starts in one ear. In most cases, it will eventually involve both ears.
• You have several treatment options for otosclerosis. You may need follow-up visits to recheck the level of your hearing loss.