Otosclerosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Otosclerosis is hearing loss caused by the stiffness of the ossicles. Under normal circumstances, in order to hear, sound waves will be captured and passed from the ear canal to the middle ear.
The middle ear consists of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the auditory bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes. Sound from the ear canal will vibrate the eardrum and hearing bones. Then the vibrations are transmitted to the inner ear and nerves so that we can finally hear.
In people with otosclerosis, because the auditory bones are stiff, it is difficult for the bones to vibrate when they receive sound waves. As a result, sound vibrations that will be transmitted to the inner ear and nerves will decrease, and hearing will be impaired.
Symptoms
The main symptom of otosclerosis is hearing loss, which usually begins around the age of 30. Initially, the hearing loss occurred in only one ear. Over time it can be experienced in both ears.
This symptom of hearing loss occurs very slowly, so it is sometimes too late to notice. People with otosclerosis will usually feel they hear better in crowded situations. On the other hand, whispers and low-pitched voices will be difficult to hear.
In addition, other symptoms that can appear are headaches or feeling like floating, disturbed balance, or buzzing ears.
Reason
Among the three ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes), the stapes is the most commonly stiff bone. The exact cause of otosclerosis is still being studied. But so far, it is known that most cases of otosclerosis are triggered by genetic disorders that are passed from parent to child. If one parent has otosclerosis, there is a 50 percent chance that their child will also have otosclerosis.
However, researchers are also looking at other possibilities. It is suspected that measles infection also triggers otosclerosis. Part of the measles virus is thought to make the base of the stapes bone difficult to move. Conversely, people who have been immunized against measles have a lower risk of developing otosclerosis.
Diagnosis
To determine whether there is otosclerosis, a person needs to consult an ear-nose-throat specialist (ENT). The doctor will conduct a thorough medical interview, complete a physical examination, and ear examination.
After that, the doctor will examine hearing function with an audiogram. Then proceed with an examination to see the condition of the middle ear, namely a tympanogram examination. In certain situations, a computed tomography scan (CT scan ) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the ear may also be needed.
Treatment
Until now, there is no treatment that can cure otosclerosis. However, there are several things that can be done to optimize hearing function. Some of the treatment options are:
1. Just observe
The doctor didn’t take any action. This action is chosen if the hearing loss is not too severe and does not interfere with daily activities.
2. amplification
Treatment is done by installing a hearing aid (ABD). ABD will help amplify the sound heard, so it sounds clearer.
3. Drug
Sodium fluoride supplements have been found to have an effect on reducing stiffness in the ossicles. However, this still needs further research. Also, in theory, avoiding medications that contain estrogen could help prevent and treat otosclerosis.
4. Operation
The operation performed to treat otosclerosis is called a stapedectomy. This is an operation to remove the stapes bone, to be replaced with an implant (artificial stapes bone).
5. Cochlear implant
The cochlea is part of the inner ear which is a continuation of the auditory bones. In the cochlear implantation procedure, the cochlea is removed and replaced by an artificial cochlea. This action is performed if otosclerosis does not only occur in the auditory bones but also occurs in the cochlea.
Prevention
Until now, there is no action that can completely prevent otosclerosis. However, complete measles immunization is thought to play a role in reducing the risk of this disease.