HEARING IMPAIRMENT FROM OTOSCLEROSIS

Stapedial Otosclerosis
Usually otosclerosis involves the stapes or stirrup bone, the third bone of hearing in the middle ear. This bone rests in a small hollow, the oval window, in intimate contact with the inner ear fluids. This bone is attached to its surroundings by an elastic tissue, the stapedio-vestibular ligament, which allows the free vibration of the stapes while preventing the fluids of the inner ear from leaking out. Fixation of this third bone is called stapedial otosclerosis and is usually correctable by surgery. This enjoys a high success rate of over 96%.

Cochlear Otosclerosis
When otosclerosis spreads to the inner ear, a sensorineural hearing impairment may result due to interference with the nerve function. This nerve impairment is called cochlear otosclerosis, and once it develops it is permanent.

On occasion the otosclerosis may spread to the balance canals and may cause episodes of unsteadiness. The amount of hearing loss due to involvement of the stapes and the degree of nerve impairment present can be determined only by careful hearing tests.

Medication

There is no medical cure for this disease. In certain selected cases medication (Sodium Fluoride) may help prevent progress. However the benefit is not quantifiable. Ear drops cannot help.