Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Otosclerosis
Overview
Otosclerosis is an abnormal, microscopic growth of bone in the walls of the inner ear, which causes the stapes bone (the smallest bone in the body) to become frozen in place or "fixed." Normally, the stapes vibrates freely to allow the transmission of sound into the inner ear. When it becomes fixed to the surrounding bone, hearing becomes impaired.
3Common Symptoms
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness/balance problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnosis otosclerosis, an examination by an otolaryngologist is needed to rule out other diseases or health problems that may cause similar symptoms. An audiologist, who will test your hearing and balance functions, will then see you.
Although many patients can wear a hearing aid successfully, natural hearing is often preferred. Surgery has been found to be the most effective method of restoring natural hearing for patients diagnosed with otosclerosis.
Common Treatments:
- Stapedectomy
- Hearing Devices
- Audiogram
Meet Our Team
Our Hearing and Balanceteam is comprised of some of the world’s finest ear surgeons, skull base surgeons, balance disorder specialists and audiologists.
