What Is Otosclerosis?
Otosclerosis is a condition where abnormal bone growth develops around the tiny bones in the middle ear—especially the stapes—causing conductive hearing loss. When the stapes bone can no longer move freely, sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear. Fortunately, treatment is highly effective in most cases.
Who Is at Risk?
Roughly 60% of otosclerosis cases are hereditary. While it can affect people of all backgrounds, it is most common among Caucasian adults between the ages of 20 and 45. Women are twice as likely to be affected and may experience faster hearing loss during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Common Symptoms
Gradual hearing loss that may affect one or both ears over time.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) described as a rushing or buzzing sound.
Occasional balance issues such as dizziness or unsteadiness.
Progressive symptom worsening without diagnosis or treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Otosclerosis is usually diagnosed with a hearing test, and in some cases, a CT scan is used to confirm bone changes in the middle ear.
The most effective treatment is a laser stapedotomy, where part of the Stapes bone is replaced with a prosthesis to restore hearing. At NYOG, Dr. Sperling uses a specialized technique with vein grafting to reduce post-op vertigo. Success rates are high, with many patients noticing immediate improvement.
Hearing aids may be recommended for non-surgical cases, and sodium fluoride can be prescribed to slow disease progression when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Otosclerosis is caused by abnormal bone growth around the tiny bones in the middle ear, particularly the stapes bone, which impairs its movement and blocks sound transmission to the inner ear. This abnormal growth leads to conductive hearing loss.
Otosclerosis is hereditary in about 60% of cases and most commonly affects Caucasian adults aged 20 to 45. Women are twice as likely to develop the condition and may experience accelerated hearing loss during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
The common symptoms include gradual hearing loss in one or both ears, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) described as rushing or buzzing, occasional balance issues like dizziness or unsteadiness, and progressive worsening without treatment.
Diagnosis typically involves a hearing test to evaluate hearing loss. In some cases, a CT scan is used to confirm abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, helping to accurately identify otosclerosis.
The most effective treatment is laser stapedotomy, a surgical procedure replacing part of the stapes bone with a prosthesis to restore hearing. Hearing aids may be recommended for non-surgical candidates, and sodium fluoride can be prescribed to slow disease progression.
Laser stapedotomy is a surgical technique where part of the stapes bone is replaced with a prosthesis to restore hearing. At NYOG, a specialized vein grafting technique reduces post-operative vertigo. The procedure has a high success rate with many patients experiencing immediate hearing improvement.
Yes, otosclerosis can cause occasional balance issues such as dizziness or unsteadiness due to its effects on the middle ear. These symptoms often accompany hearing loss and tinnitus and may worsen if the condition is left untreated.