Download Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis
(Otospongiosis)
Pronounced: ot-oh-scle-ROW-sis
by Michelle Badash, MS
En Español (Spanish Version)
Definition
Otosclerosis occurs when abnormal new bone forms in the inner ear. This growth prevents proper functioning of
other ear structures. This condition is a common cause of hearing loss.
The Inner Ear
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
The cause of otosclerosis is still unknown. However, otosclerosis tends to run in families, and may be hereditary.
Otosclerosis has also been linked to hormonal changes, especially pregnancy, and viral infections.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for otosclerosis
include:
Age: late teens through late 40s
Family history of otosclerosis
Sex: female
Race: Caucasian or Asian
Drinking nonfluoridated water: Some studies suggest that nonfluoridated water may cause a susceptible
person to develop otosclerosis
Page 1 of 3
Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
Pregnancy: may accelerate symptoms
Symptoms
Gradual hearing loss is the main symptom of otosclerosis. Hearing loss may be of two types:
Conductive—involving the small bones of the inner ear
Sensorineural—involving the following structures:
Cochlea—the sensory organ in the inner ear
The major nerve pathway (8th cranial nerve) and/or area of the brain responsible for hearing
Early in the disease, you may first notice trouble hearing low-pitched sounds or whispers. Other symptoms may
include:
Dizziness
Balance problems
Tinnitus or sensation of ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ear
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Hearing tests by an audiologist
Computed tomography (CT) scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the
ear and head
Examination of the middle ear at the time of surgery
Treatment
Treatments may include:
Hearing Aid
Hearing aids may be effective for conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Surgery
In many cases, a procedure called a stapedectomy may improve hearing. The purpose of this operation is to
replace the diseased bone with an artificial device that can transmit sound waves to the inner ear. Stapedectomy is
very effective and frequently returns hearing to a near normal level.
Oral Treatment
Fluoride tablets are sometimes prescribed to stabilize the condition and prevent further sensorineural hearing loss.
However, this treatment remains controversial and unproven.
Prevention
Page 2 of 3
Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
Drinking fluoridated water may help prevent otosclerosis in people who are susceptible. There are no other known
ways of preventing this condition.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Audiology
http://www.audiology.org/
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org/
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entcanada.org/
REFERENCES:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School website.
Available at: http://www.oto-hns.northwestern.edu/ .
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institutes of Health
website. Available at: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed September 2011 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Last Updated: 9/1/2011
Page 3 of 3
Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.