{"id":177,"date":"2019-03-26T19:05:03","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T19:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nalent.fm1.dev\/ear\/otosclerosis\/"},"modified":"2019-06-28T17:48:26","modified_gmt":"2019-06-28T17:48:26","slug":"otosclerosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nalent.com\/ear\/otosclerosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Otosclerosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
Otosclerosis\r\nis an abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear that causes hearing loss<\/a>. It\r\ntypically begins in the early 20s, and is the leading cause of middle ear\r\nhearing loss in young adults. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The exact cause of otosclerosis is not\r\nknown, but evidence suggests a genetic link passed down from parent to child.\r\nMiddle-aged Caucasian women are most at risk, and hormonal\r\nchanges seem to be a contributing factor including pregnancy and menopause. This bone\r\ngrowth usually occurs around the stapes bone in the middle ear, preventing it\r\nfrom moving freely, essential to proper hearing. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Gradually worsening hearing loss is\r\nthe primary symptom of otosclerosis. It may begin with an inability to hear\r\nlow-pitched sounds or whispers. Other symptoms may include vertigo or dizziness<\/a>\r\nand tinnitus (ringing in the ears)<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The symptoms of otosclerosis are like those\r\nof other conditions, so a thorough examination by an otolaryngologist is essential\r\nin ruling out other problems and diagnosing the disease. A hearing test<\/a> will\r\nusually show signs of conductive hearing loss in the lower frequency tones, a\r\nhallmark of otosclerosis. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Mild cases of otosclerosis can be\r\ncorrected with a hearing aid designed to amplify sounds. Orally ingested sodiumfluoride<\/a> has been shown to slow the progression of the disease, and may be an\r\noption. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In more advanced cases, a surgical\r\nprocedure known as a stapedectomy<\/a> is often performed. In this surgery, part or\r\nall of the affected stapes bone is removed and replaced with a prosthetic\r\ndevice that enables the bones of the middle ear to resume movement, allowing\r\nsound waves to reach the inner ear, improving or restoring hearing. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are inherent risks in any\r\nsurgery, but left untreated, otosclerosis will only get worse. Speak to your\r\ndoctor about the best treatment options for your hearing loss. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat Causes Otosclerosis? <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Are the Symptoms of\r\nOtosclerosis? <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How is Otosclerosis Treated? <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n