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ENT Otosclerosis

Stapes fixation causing progressive conductive hearing loss treatable with surgery or hearing aids

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is ENT Otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis is a primary disorder of the otic capsule in which abnormal bone remodeling produces spongiotic and then sclerotic foci, most commonly anterior to the oval window (fissula ante fenestram), gradually fixing the stapes footplate.

It typically presents in young adults (20-40 y) with insidiously progressive low-frequency conductive hearing loss, often bilateral, sometimes with paradoxical improved hearing in noise (paracusis Willisii) and low-pitched tinnitus.

Carhart notch on audiometry (depressed bone conduction at 2 kHz), absent acoustic reflexes and a Type As tympanogram support the diagnosis; cochlear involvement causes mixed loss, while a Schwartze sign (reddish promontory) indicates active disease.

Symptoms

Slowly progressive conductive hearing loss
Low-pitched tinnitus, often bilateral
Paracusis Willisii (better hearing in noisy settings)
Vertigo or imbalance in cochlear forms
Family history of similar hearing loss

Risk Factors

Family history (autosomal dominant, variable penetrance)
Caucasian ancestry and female sex
Pregnancy and exogenous estrogen exposure
Prior measles infection (debated)
Age 20 to 40 years at onset

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Progressive hearing loss without ear infection
  • Tinnitus interfering with daily life
  • Audiogram showing conductive loss with normal eardrum
  • Sudden worsening of hearing or new vertigo
  • Family history of stapes surgery or otosclerosis

Treatment Methods

01
Air-bone gap and reflex audiometry to confirm diagnosis
02
Hearing aids for milder loss or surgically unfit patients
03
Stapedotomy with prosthesis for significant air-bone gap
04
Sodium fluoride or bisphosphonates for cochlear otosclerosis (selected)
05
Cochlear implantation for far-advanced mixed losses
06
Postoperative monitoring of bone conduction and vestibular function

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.