Hearing is achieved by the sounds coming to our ears by reaching the eardrum through the auricle and external ear canal, vibrating the eardrum, and then being transferred to the inner ear by the movement of the stapes, incus and malleus bones in the middle ear. After the inner ear, it is converted into electrical energy and reaches the auditory center in the brain via the auditory nerve. In case of calcification in the inner ear, the most frequently affected area is the part of the stapes that is adjacent to the inner ear. As a result of calcification, a limitation of movement that disrupts the transmission of sound occurs and the sound cannot be transmitted sufficiently to the inner ear. As a result, the sound waves cannot be transmitted to the inner ear fluids at a sufficient level and the so-called conductive hearing loss occurs. In the later stages of the disease, this calcification also affects the inner ear and turns into inner ear type (neural type) hearing loss.
In whom is otosclerosis more common?
Otosclerosis is thought to be a genetically inherited disease. It is known that it is more common especially in young-middle-aged women and the risk of its occurrence increases during pregnancy. It has also been claimed that there may be a relationship between the measles virus and otosclerosis. It is two times more common in women than men.
What are the patient’s complaints in otosclerosis and how is the diagnosis made?
The most important complaint in this disease is hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs in one or both ears and is usually of the slowly progressive type. The rate of hearing loss may increase during pregnancy. In addition, patients may experience tinnitus, dizziness and balance problems.
Diagnosis of the disease is made primarily by hearing tests. Ear examination findings and appearance of the eardrum are normal. Ear tomography, on the other hand, is used as a useful method in diagnosing the disease and distinguishing other diseases similar to otosclerosis, especially in patients who are scheduled for surgery.
How is otosclerosis treated?
When hearing loss reaches certain levels in otosclerosis, the patient can be operated. However, conductive hearing losses is corrected with surgery. If the hearing loss is not at the level to be operated, the patient does not accept the surgery or there are other handicaps for the surgery, the patient is recommended to use a hearing aid as an alternative treatment.
The name of the surgery we perform to increase hearing in this disease is “stapedectomy or stapedotomy” surgery. During this surgery, which is performed with special instruments under the microscope, a hole is made in the base of the stirrup, and a prosthesis is inserted, and the sound is delivered directly to the inner ear by passing the calcified area. The most important complication of the operation is the development of complete deafness, which is rarely seen. Even more rarely, complications such as facial paralysis and loss of taste can occur.
