Otosclerosis is a condition that causes hearing loss. The term “oto” means “of the ear,” and “sclerosis” means “abnormal hardening of body tissue.” To simplify the osteosclerosis meaning, it is the abnormal hardening of the ear tissue.
Otosclerosis causes irregular bone remodelling/growth in your middle ear or, more rarely, your inner ear. Bone remodelling is a lifelong process in which bone tissue repeatedly restores itself. This irregular bone remodelling interferes with sound’s ability to travel through your ear.
People with otosclerosis can develop mild to severe hearing impairment. The condition rarely results in total deafness. It typically affects both ears, but one ear is usually more severely affected than the other. With ever-changing advancements in medical sciences, people suffering from otosclerosis can get a bone conduction hearing aid. It will help assist them with their hearing or ear issues but will not be able to directly address the underlying condition or associated complications of otosclerosis.
Symptoms of Otosclerosis
Understanding the aetiology of otosclerosis is simple; it mostly begins in one ear and may progress over time to affect both ears. The otosclerosis symptoms may include:
- Gradual hearing loss: As the most common symptom of otosclerosis, hearing loss may start as minimal but worsen over several years.
- Inability to hear certain sounds: When otosclerosis first develops, you may have difficulty hearing whispers or low-pitched sounds.
- Hearing loss that starts in one ear: Typically begins in one ear first and then develops in the other.
- The extent of hearing loss varies in each ear: While 70% of people with otosclerosis have hearing loss in both ears, the amount of hearing loss usually differs.
- Tinnitus: Along with hearing loss, some people with otosclerosis might experience tinnitus symptoms, including sudden ringing or buzzing in the ears.
- Vertigo: Besides ear symptoms, some people experience balance problems and dizziness when they have otosclerosis.
Risk Factors for Otosclerosis
While otosclerosis causes are a mystery, researchers have uncovered several risk factors, which include the following:
- Family history: Otosclerosis tends to run in families, which suggests a genetic susceptibility or hereditary component to the disorder.
- Gender: women are more likely to develop otosclerosis than men.
- Pregnancy: Expecting mothers may develop otosclerosis during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- Race: Caucasians (white people) tend to be most commonly affected by Otosclerosis.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta: Abnormally brittle bones (osteogenesis imperfecta) characterise this genetic disorder. People facing this concern are at increased risk of developing otosclerosis.
- Non-fluoridated water: Some evidence suggests that drinking non-fluoridated water may increase the risk of otosclerosis in susceptible people.
- Measles virus: There is some evidence that viruses may contribute to developing otosclerosis, particularly measles.
Diagnosis of Ear Otosclerosis
Diagnosis of otosclerosis is performed using tests, including:
- Hearing tests: A person with otosclerosis typically has a hearing loss that affects all frequencies (pitches). The hearing loss may be conductive or mixed. A problem in the middle or outer parts of the ear causes conductive hearing loss. A mixed loss combines conductive hearing loss with hearing loss resulting from inner ear damage.
- CT scan: A CT scan can be done to check for damage to the cochlear nerve and labyrinth.
Otosclerosis Treatment
Otosclerosis treatment depends on the extent of hearing loss. In cases where hearing loss is mild, an ENT may recommend a wait-and-see approach and regular hearing tests.
Treatment may not be needed until otosclerosis causes are significant. Some treatment options may include:
- Medication: Some studies have suggested that taking Fluoride, Calcium, and Vitamin D supplements may help slow the progression of otosclerosis. However, this treatment needs further research before it can be confirmed.
- Hearing aids: These can help most people with hearing loss, even though they cannot restore normal hearing. When it comes to hearing aids, a bone conduction hearing aid aims to increase communication by providing highly clear and audible sound. Cochlear implants may also be considered if you have more advanced hearing loss from otosclerosis.
- Surgery: The affected stapes are surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis or artificial stapes (stapedectomy). A successful operation may correct or improve the conductive hearing loss of otosclerosis.
Self-Care After Surgery for Otosclerosis
After otosclerosis surgery, it is essential (particularly in the early postoperative phase) to protect the structures within the ear from infection, pressure, and noise to reduce the risk of complications. One can always opt for a bone conduction hearing aid to transmit sounds through bone conduction and help assist with hearing.
The following are some general suggestions for patients after undergoing otosclerosis surgery:
- Avoid blowing your nose.
- Avoid cold temperatures.
- Reduce your risk of upper respiratory tract infections by preventing meeting sick people.
- Prevent changes in air pressure (air travel or scuba diving).
- Avoid loud noises.
- See your doctor promptly if you experience ear pain, dizziness, or fever, as these symptoms could indicate an infection.
Conclusion
Gradual hearing loss is a common sign of otosclerosis, often developing in early to middle adulthood. Tinnitus and vertigo are also possible. If you think you may have symptoms of otosclerosis or are experiencing problems with your hearing more generally, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They can direct you to the right otosclerosis treatment, such as otosclerosis surgery or using a bone conduction hearing aid, once they determine the underlying cause of your hearing loss.
