Otosclerosis Diagnosis

Otosclerosis develops when bones grow abnormally in middle ear, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. This bone inhibits structures within the ear from operating properly and results in hearing loss. In cases when hearing loss is substantial, patients can be helped by the use of a hearing aid or possibly surgery.

Causes

• The NIDCD says research indicates that people with a family history of otosclerosis are more likely to develop the disorder. A person who has one parent with otosclerosis has a roughly 25 percent chance of suffering from the condition. If both parents have otosclerosis, the risk doubles to 50 percent.

  The NIDCD says some studies point to a connection between otosclerosis and the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy.

  There also is some evidence that links viral infections (such as measles) and otosclerosis.

  White, middle-aged women are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms

• An often gradual hearing loss is the most frequent symptom of otosclerosis. The type of hearing loss can vary depending on which specific ear structure is affected.
  In the beginning people with otosclerosis may become unable to hear low-pitched sounds or whispers.

  Some people with otosclerosis experience tinnitus--ringing, roaring, buzzing or hissing sensations in the ears or head.

Diagnosis

• Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. An audiologist (hearing impairment specialist) may then evaluate your hearing.

  Tests may include an audiogram, which a graph that records and displays hearing sensitivity, and a tympanogram, which is a graph that indicates how well change how well the middle ear functions to conduct sound.

Treatment

• Surgery (stapedectomy) is often an option for treatment of otosclerosis. During the operation a surgeon goes around the diseased bone with a prosthetic device that permits sound waves to be passed to the inner ear. Occasionally hearing loss does not improve following a stapedectomy and in rare cases surgery can actually make hearing loss worse.

  A well-fitting hearing aid may benefit some people with otosclerosis especially those with chronic hearing loss. An audiologist can discuss the various types of hearing aids available and suggest one based on your individual needs.

Research

• The NIDCD says there is ongoing research to expand the existing knowledge of otosclerosis. Some scientists are conducting genetic studies to help identify the gene or genes that may trigger this disorder.

  Other researchers are looking into the usefulness of lasers currently used in surgery, and of amplification devices.

  Enhanced diagnostic techniques are also being studied and created.