What is Otosclerosis?

Description of the disease

Otosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease of the inner ear, which leads to a conductive hearing loss and sensorineural deafness. The disease is characterized by the growth of bone tissue in the ear, which leads to a change in the shape of the stapes and the anterior portion of the labyrinth.

Classification

• Otosclerosis can be classified as hereditary or acquired.
• Acquired otosclerosis may be distinguished from primary otosclerosis, or that which occurs as a result of isolation in otitis media.

Symptoms

Symptoms of otosclerosis include gradual worsening of hearing, tinnitus, headaches, dysarthria, and dizziness.

Causes

The causes of otosclerosis remain unknown, but it is believed that genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of this disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic methods for otosclerosis include audiometry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the ears and vestibular apparatus.

Treatment

Treatment of otosclerosis may include medication therapy, surgical intervention, and hearing aids.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention for otosclerosis, but regular visits to the doctor and timely treatment of other ear diseases may help prevent the development of otosclerosis.

Doctor

The specialist who treats otosclerosis is an otolaryngologist.