Otosclerosis

(Otospongiosis)

How to Say It: ot-oh-scle-ROW-sis

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

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 Ear

Causes

The cause is not clear, but genetics may play a role.

Risk Factors

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

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

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

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

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by getting the measles vaccine.

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

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