Otosclerosis is a term derived from oto, signifying “of the ear,” and sclerosis, signifying “abnormal solidifying of body tissue.” The condition is brought about by unusual bone remodeling in the middle ear. Bone renovating is a long lasting cycle where bone tissue reestablishes itself by replacing old tissue with new. In otosclerosis, abnormal remodeling upsets the capacity of sound to go from the middle ear to the inner ear

Causes of otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is most frequently caused when one of the bones in the middle ear, the stapes, becomes trapped in place. At the point when this bone can’t vibrate, sound can’t go through the ear and hearing becomes impaired.

Symptoms of otosclerosis

Hearing loss, the most often revealed side effect of otosclerosis, typically begins in a single ear and afterward moves to the other ear. This loss might show up progressively. Many individuals with otosclerosis first notification that they can’t hear low-pitched sounds or can’t hear a murmur. Certain individuals may experience  dizziness, balance issues, or tinnitus.

How can we diagnose?

Otosclerosis is analyzed by medical care suppliers who have some expertise in hearing. These incorporate an otolaryngologist normally called an ENT,  an otologist or an audiologist (a medical services proficient prepared to distinguish, measure, and treat hearing problems). The most important phase in a finding is to preclude different sicknesses or medical conditions that can cause similar side effects as otosclerosis. Subsequent stages incorporate hearing tests that action hearing awareness (audiogram) and middle ear sound conduction (tympanogram)

Treatment

Currently there is no compelling medication treatment for otosclerosis, in spite of the fact that there is trust that proceeded with bone-renovating exploration could distinguish expected new treatments. Mild otosclerosis can be treated with a listening device called hearing aid that enhances sound, yet medical procedure is frequently required. In a technique known as a stapedectomy, a specialist embeds a prosthetic device into the middle ear to bypass the abnormal bone and permit sound waves to enter to the inner ear and reestablish hearing.