The middle ear has 3 tiny hearing bones called ossicles, which transfer vibratory energy from the eardrum to the inner ear. Otosclerosis, a bone-remodeling disorder of the temporal bone, is common and frequently causes abnormal fixation of the third hearing bone (stapes). This results in a progressive, conductive hearing loss. Other symptoms may include tinnitus, sensorineural hearing loss due to otosclerotic inner ear syndrome, and balance dysfunction (imbalance without true vertigo). Hearing loss typically begins between ages 15-45, and about 60% of all otosclerosis patients have a family member with similar hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The diagnosis of otosclerosis is based on clinical history and results of comprehensive audiometric (hearing) tests. The final diagnosis, however, can only be confirmed at surgery after manual palpation of each ossicle. Treatment options for otosclerosis include non-intervention, use of conventional or bone anchored hearing aids, and middle ear exploration with stapedotomy\/stapedectomy. During stapes surgery, a portion of the non-functioning stapes bone is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. This prosthesis allows the ossicular chain to move freely so that sound energy can properly transmit to the inner ear. In >90% of cases, hearing can be dramatically improved. There is a 0.5% to 1% chance of profound hearing loss from stapes surgery; therefore, the decision must be carefully considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n