Definition
Otosclerosis is characterized by the abnormal growth of bone cells in the ossicles of the middle ear. In most cases, the stirrup, the bone that taps the cochlea to transmit sound vibrations, becomes denser and gradually binds to the surrounding bones. Over time, otosclerosis can also reach the bone capsule surrounding the inner ear, affecting the hearing cells.
In 70-80% of cases, it affects both ears simultaneously.
Incidence
Otosclerosis affects around 3 out of every 1,000 people. Women are twice as likely to develop the disease compared with men.
Causes
The causes of otosclerosis remain unclear, but here are some possible causes:
- Genetics;
- Exposure to a virus;
- Fracture of the ear bones and bone tissue around the inner ear;
- Hormones (puberty, pregnancy, menopause);
- Autoimmune response.
Symptoms
- Slowly progressing hearing loss;
- Difficulty hearing low-pitched sounds and whispers;
- Impression that voice is too loud;
- Hum-like tinnitus;
- Dizziness may occur.
Treatment and management
- Given the slow progression of otosclerosis and its effect on hearing, frequent hearing tests are required to monitor the progress of hearing damage.
- Since otosclerosis is most often a conductive hearing loss, conventional hearing aids are often the preferred choice for alleviating hearing loss caused by otosclerosis. Bone-anchored devices may also be considered.
- Ossicular surgery is a possibility to restore stapes function and mechanical transmission of the sound signal. This is often one of the last options considered if less invasive methods are not effective for the individual.
