What is Otosclerosis disease?
DESCRIPTION
Otosclerosis is an abnormal growth of sponge-like bone
in the middle ear. The growth prevents one of the small
bones in the middle ear from transmitting sound waves.
This can lead to hearing loss. Otosclerosis usually
affects both ears. It occurs in all ages and both sexes.
Middle-aged white women are most often affected.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Slow, continuing hearing loss.
• Ringing or other types of noises in the ears (tinnitus). 
•Dizziness or imbalance if the vestibular portion of the ear is affected. CAUSES
Appears to be an inherited disease. Sixty percent of
those affected have a positive family history of the disorder.In other cases, the cause is unknown. A viral infectionmay be a factor.
RISK INCREASES WITH
• Family history of hearing loss.
• Genetics. Otosclerosis affects to some degree about 10% of all white persons.
• Pregnancy, which may trigger the onset.
•Osteogenesis imperfecta (a bone disease of the ear).
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Cannot be prevented at present. Obtain genetic counseling
before starting a family if you or your spouse has
otosclerosis.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Surgical treatment can help restore or improve hearing
in most patients. In patients not needing or unable to
have surgery, hearing aids can be of benefit. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
•Without surgery, some hearing loss may progress for
years. Total deafness is a rare complication.
• Hearing loss can cause problems with work, social
events, and family relationships. Emotional distress may
occur.
• Complications may result from surgery, such as infection or pain
GENERAL MEASURES
• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of
the ears and ask questions about your symptoms and
family history of hearing problems. Diagnosis is based
on hearing tests such as an audiogram and Rinne test
(study of bone conduction). A CT (an imaging study) of
the head may be done to rule out other disorders.
• Treatment will depend on the degree of hearing loss.
It may involve surgery and/or hearing aids, and sometimes
fluoride supplements.
• If the hearing loss is minor, no treatment is usually
needed. Hearing tests will be given periodically to see if
hearing loss is progressing.
• Treatment may involve surgery (stapedectomy) to
remove a part or all of the stapes (a bone in the middle
ear) and replace it with a prosthesis (artificial substitute).
The hearing is improved in almost all cases.
• Hearing aids will benefit many patients. Different
types are available. A hearing specialist can help you
choose what will work best for your individual needs.
MEDICATIONS
• Antibiotics may be prescribed after surgery.
• Sodium fluoride may be prescribed to prevent further
hearing loss by hardening the spongy bone. It won’t,
however, improve hearing.
ACTIVITY
After surgery, resume your normal activities gradually.
DIET
No special diet. | 
