There are
many reasons why a person becomes hearing impaired. Otosclerosis is one
among them. Bone growth in the middle ear leads to hearing loss in otosclerosis.
This problem starts from early to mid-adulthood and is major cause for
hearing loss in youngsters.
Women are more prone to this problem that men which affects both the ears.
The hearing loss is slow and gradual that the person is unaware until
some of his friends or relatives tell him about it.
The microscopic growth in the walls of the ear prevents the vibrations
of sound waves that are necessary for a person to hear. Family history
of hearing loss and pregnancy are the possibilities of developing this
hearing problem.
Tingling or ringing sound in the ears, hearing better in noisy surroundings
are the signs and symptoms of this otosclerosis. Audiometric tests helps
in diagnosing this ear problem. The other symptoms are dizziness, loss
of balance, and vertigo.
Medications and hearing aid relieve the person of the symptoms but do
not provide a solution to the problem.
Most of the persons resort to surgery to correct their hearing impairment.
Stapedectomy is the surgery to correct the problem of otosclerosis. The
non-vibrating stapes bone is removed and an artificial replacement made
of Teflon or platinum is placed in the place of the stapes bone.
Laser is used in the surgery to make a hole and replace the stapes bone.
This helps in restoring the hearing in the patients, pain and dizziness
goes away in a few weeks.
To avoid complication after the surgery the patient should avoid blowing
the nose within one week of the surgery, avoid loud noises and change
in the pressure, keep away from people with respiratory problems and infections,
and avoid doing strenuous work, lifting heavy objects and bending.
The other complications of the surgery are injury to the nerve, total
deafness, blood clot in the ear after surgery, pain and infection, and
giddiness.
Although this otosclerosis surgery has 90% success rate, in case the surgery
turns out to be unsuccessful then the patient becomes deaf forever. Other
accessories like hearing aid can be tried to ensure hearing.
In some cases, the bone growth can spread into the cochlea. Cochlear otosclerosis
cannot be cured with surgery and the damage to the tiny hair can cause
sensorineural deafness.
An immediate medical intervention is necessary when the patient feels
pain in the ear, develops fever, experiences giddiness and any other symptom
after the surgery.
Otosclerosis if neglected leads to permanent hearing loss but all patients
cannot undergo surgery. It is best to consult the doctor before deciding
on the surgery. Only a doctor can be best judge as surgery is not the
only option for otosclerosis.
Patients who have undergone the surgery should have regular checkups and
hearing tests every year.