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Alternative names Return to top
OtospongiosisDefinition Return to top
Otosclerosis is an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that causes hearing loss.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Otosclerosis is an inherited disorder involving the growth of abnormal spongy bone in the middle ear. This growth prevents the stapes (stirrup bone) from vibrating in response to sound waves, thus leading to progressive (worsening over time) hearing loss.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination of the ears may rule out other causes of hearing loss.Treatment Return to top
Otosclerosis may be slowly progressive, and the condition may not require treatment until the extent of hearing loss is significant.
Medications such as oral fluoride, calcium or Vitamin D may help to stabilize the hearing loss, but their benefit has not yet been proved.
A hearing aid may be used to treat the hearing loss. This will not cure or prevent the progression of the disease, but may help alleviate the symptoms of hearing loss.
Surgery to remove the stapes and replace it with a prosthesis is curative. This may be total replacement (stapedectomy) or a laser may be used to make a hole in the stapes (stapedotomy) to allow placement of the prosthesis.
To reduce the risk of complications after surgery:
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Otosclerosis is progressive without treatment; however, surgery may restore at least partial hearing. Most complications of surgery correct themselves within a few weeks.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if hearing loss occurs.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |