$Unique_ID{BRK02048} $Pretitle{} $Title{New Treatments for Otosclerosis} $Subject{Otosclerosis hearing aids hearing aid hearing loss inner ear surgery sound wave sound waves sound conduction electrical nerve impulses stapes ossicles tinnitus audiologic audiology fluoride therapy stapedectomy tympanic membrane bone formation deaf deafness} $Volume{} $Log{ Anatomy of the Inner Ear*0003301.scf} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. New Treatments for Otosclerosis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My father lost his hearing as a young man, and now I find that I, too, am proceeding along the same path. His condition was diagnosed as a condition called "otosclerosis" and I can remember that it was a condition without a cure. He wore a hearing aid on and off until he died. I was hoping you might discuss this subject in your column and offer any thoughts on newer treatments that you might be aware of. I would be most grateful for any information you can provide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Otosclerosis is the most common cause of progressive hearing loss in younger adults of the conductive type. That means that something reduces the ability of the ear and all its mechanisms to pass (conduct) the sound waves from the outside of the head to the nerves in the inner ear that guide the sound, now in the form of electrical nerve impulses, to the brain. In the case of otosclerosis, it is the formation of new bone around the the stapes, one of the three small bones (ossicles) that transmit sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. This new bone prevents the stapes from vibrating, and so the conduction of sound is diminished. It is a condition that is known to run in families, for more than 50 percent of patients diagnosed with the condition have a positive family history. It starts between the ages of 30 and 50, becoming progressively more severe. It usually occurs in both ears, although not always to the same degree and is frequently accompanied by a sensation of ringing or hissing in the ear (tinnitus). It appears to be more common in women than in men. A full audiologic evaluation including hearing tests is required to establish the diagnosis and its severity. It can be treated in several ways. Some specialized centers now use fluoride therapy that diminishes the progression of the disease by reducing the amount of new bone that is formed around the stapes. Many patients find that they are comfortable with the hearing they can obtain from the use of a hearing aid that amplifies the sound. The surgical approach is to remove the stapes (and extra bone), replacing it with an artificial prosthesis. This operation a "stapedectomy" is successful in from 90-95 percent of patients and can be performed in the physician's office under local anesthesia in many cases. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.