What is Otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis (oh-tuh-skli-ROH-sis) is a disorder that leads to hearing loss. "Oto" refers to "of the ear", and "sclerosis" refers to "abnormal hardening of body tissue.

Otosclerosis occurs when abnormal bone remodelling/growth occurs in the middle ear or, less often, the inner ear. Bone remodelling is the process by which bone tissue continuously regenerates itself over the course of a lifetime. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone remodelling blocks sound passage through the ear.

Patients of otosclerosis can experience slight to severe hearing loss. Although otosclerosis does not very often lead to complete deafness, it more commonly affects two ears, and one ear is typically poorer than the other.

What are the symptoms of otosclerosis?

The most prevalent symptom of otosclerosis is gradual hearing loss. Individuals with otosclerosis notice that they can no longer hear whispering or low-pitched sounds/tones. In the majority of instances, individuals with otosclerosis experience hearing loss in both ears. About 10% to 15% of individuals with otosclerosis experience hearing loss in one ear.

Other potential otosclerosis symptoms are:

Imbalance
Vertigo
Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
Dizziness

If you have otosclerosis, you might talk softly because your voice is too loud to you.

What causes otosclerosis?

Far inside your ear, there are three small bones (ossicles) that vibrate to strengthen the sound waves passing through them. The sound waves are passed on to the cochlea in your inner ear, where they get transformed into signals before continuing to your brain. Otosclerosis tends to develop most often when the stapes bone (a little, triangular bone in your middle ear) gets cemented with the bone tissue surrounding it. Thus, sound is unable to travel efficiently.

Consider the musical instrument, the triangle. When it is held correctly by the loop at the top, the triangle dangles free and produces a full sound by vibration when struck. But if you put your hand around the triangle itself, the sound becomes muffled. The stapes bone responds similarly when too much bone grows around it.

What are the risk factors of otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis risk factors could include:

Family history: If a parent, sibling, or grandparent has otosclerosis, you are at an increased risk of getting it yourself.
Sex: Otosclerosis is more likely to occur in women.
Race: White people are more likely to develop otosclerosis overall.
Pregnancy: Individuals who are predisposed to otosclerosis may have an increase in the condition during pregnancy.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI): This condition increases your risk of developing otosclerosis, also known as brittle bone disease.

How do doctors diagnose otosclerosis?

If your doctor suspects you have otosclerosis, they'll send you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist). They'll first eliminate other medical conditions that have similar symptoms. Then, they'll perform hearing tests to see how much hearing loss you have.

These tests might include a/an:

Audiogram, which gauges your hearing on a spectrum of frequencies.
Tympanogram, which informs your physician about how efficiently your eardrum functions.

Your doctor can also ask for a CT (tomography) scan. Your doctor can see the bones and tissue in your ear more clearly thanks to this imaging exam.

How is otosclerosis treated?

Treatment for otosclerosis varies with the site of abnormal bone and the severity of your condition. Most individuals effectively treat hearing loss due to otosclerosis with hearing aids. In some cases, stapedectomy (surgery) can improve your hearing. Your doctor may recommend a cochlear implant if you have cochlear otosclerosis, which affects the inner ear.

Hearing aids

Hearing aids make sounds around you louder, allowing you to hear more clearly. An audiologist can fit a hearing aid with settings tailored to meet your individual needs.

Hearing aids can make your hearing better, but they can't prevent otosclerosis from progressing. Consult with your doctor to see if hearing aids are appropriate for your case.

Stapedectomy

"Stapedectomy" (stay-puh-DEK-tuh-mee) is the medical word for surgery to treat otosclerosis. An otolaryngologist inserts a prosthesis, or substitute hearing bone, into your middle ear during this surgery. Bypassing the stapes bone, this prosthesis enables sound waves to reach your inner ear. Your hearing gets better as a result.

To give each ear time to recuperate, your surgeon will operate on one ear at a time if otosclerosis affects both of them. You'll most likely need to wait at least six months after the first surgery is finished before scheduling the second one.

Cochlear implants

Cochlear implants can make hearing better for individuals with cochlear otosclerosis. (Your cochlea is a coiled, fluid-filled structure inside your inner ear that assists hearing.) A cochlear implant sidesteps your inner ear mechanisms and establishes a new route along which sound waves can travel to your brain.

Can I stop otosclerosis?

Unlike with some other hearing disorders, there are no avoidable risk factors for otosclerosis (such as loud noise exposure). Some individuals are more susceptible to it from a genetic perspective. Therefore, it is not possible to prevent otosclerosis from occurring.

How quickly does otosclerosis advance?

Otosclerosis generally worsens gradually over a period of many years. However, the duration may differ from individual to individual. It may start in one ear and subsequently develop in the other ear. Though in most individuals, otosclerosis progresses slowly, in some instances, it may develop rapidly.

If you experience sudden differences in your hearing, make an appointment with your doctor.

How do you treat otosclerosis?

You can't cure otosclerosis, but you can treat it. You'll probably need a hearing aid or surgery, depending on what's best for you. Or your doctor may follow your condition and only suggest treatment if symptoms get worse.

What happens if otosclerosis is not treated?

If left untreated, otosclerosis can worsen over time. In a few instances, it can extend to your inner ear and trigger cochlear otosclerosis. Your doctor can explain your choices to you and let you know if they advise you to just keep an eye on your situation or proceed with treatment.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Any time you experience a change or loss in your ability to hear, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate bothersome symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you were diagnosed with otosclerosis, you might ask your provider the following questions:

How severe is my condition?
Would aids to the ears benefit me, or should I have surgery?
How long can I wait to book surgery?
How long before my hearing will get worse without treatment?

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for otosclerosis treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital has the most trusted team of ENT Specialist and surgeons with advanced diagnostic equipment care for Otosclerosis treatment in Lucknow, India. Our ENT department follows international safety standards and has years of experience in successfully managing ear related disease and conditions like otosclerosis .