Otosclerosis
(Otospongiosis)
How to Say It: ot-oh-scle-ROW-sis
Definition
Otosclerosis is the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear. This makes it hard for structures in the ear to work as they should. It can lead to hearing loss.
The Inner EarCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors TOP
This problem is more common in women. It is also more common in people who are White.
Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Having other family members with the disorder
- Viral infections, specifically measles
Symptoms TOP
At first, a person may have problems hearing low-pitched sounds or whispers. Hearing loss may worsen. In time, other problems may be:
- A feeling of spinning when standing still
- Balance problems
- Ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ear
Diagnosis TOP
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the ears. Your hearing will be tested.
Images may be taken of the ears. This can be done with:
Treatment TOP
People who have mild symptoms may be monitored for any changes.
The goal of treatment in others is to improve hearing. Choices are:
- Wearing hearing aids
-
Taking medicines to slow the disease, such as:
- Sodium fluoride
- Bisphosphonates
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. Choices are:
- Stapedectomy to replace the diseased bone with an artificial device
- Circumferential stapes mobilization to correct part of the stapes bone in the ear
- Cochlear implantation to implant a device to help with hearing
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entcanada.org
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca
REFERENCES:
Juliano AF, Ginat DT, et al. Imaging Review of the Temporal Bone: Part II. Traumatic, Postoperative, and Noninflammatory Nonneoplastic Conditions. Radiology. 2015 Sep;276(3):655-672.
Otosclerosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/otosclerosis. Accessed March 12, 2021.
Otosclerosis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 12, 2021.
What you should know about otosclerosis. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 12, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 03/12/2021