Otosclerosis (Ear Calcification): A Different Perspective on Hearing Problems

Otosclerosis is a condition in which the mobility of the stirrup ossicle is restricted due to calcification in the part of the wall adjacent to the inner ear. This causes the ossicle to be unable to transmit sound waves. At first, only hearing loss is observed, but in later stages, nerve-type hearing loss may occur as a result of the inner ear wall being affected.

The cause of otosclerosis has not been fully established, but potential causes include the following:

1. Genetic factors.
2. Age (usually starts in the 20s).
3. Gender (more common in women).
4. Pregnancy.
5. Race (more common in Caucasians).

Symptoms of otosclerosis usually appear at an older age. It can be difficult to recognise because of its quiet onset, and symptoms increase as the disease progresses. The most common symptoms are hearing loss and tinnitus, which may occur in one or both ears. These symptoms may be accompanied by dizziness and balance problems.

Since physical examination is insufficient to diagnose otosclerosis, hearing tests are used. These tests help in the diagnosis of the disease. Imaging methods such as CT or MRI may not show the disease directly, but they are used to exclude other ear diseases.

Treatment of otosclerosis can be monitored with hearing tests in the initial stage and when it does not bother the person too much. Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, hearing aids may be used, medication may be administered (usually to slow the progression of the disease), or a surgical procedure called stapedectomy may be performed.

Stapedectomy surgery is a surgical method used in the treatment of Otosclerosis. This operation is usually performed under local or general anaesthesia and has a very high success rate. During this procedure, the dysfunctional stirrup bone is removed and then a Teflon or metal prosthesis that can transmit sound waves is placed between the anvil bone and the inner ear.

The recovery process after stapedectomy surgery works as follows:

1. Stay in hospital for one night (sometimes two nights).
2. After the operation, a tampon is placed in the ear and removed in 1-2 weeks.
3. Ear drops may need to be used after the tampon is removed.
4. Tinnitus, dizziness and rarely nausea and vomiting may occur during the first week, but these symptoms are temporary.
5. It may take 2-3 months to complete the healing.

If adverse symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge, increased tinnitus, worsening dizziness, weakness or asymmetry of the facial muscles occur after surgery, it is important to contact a specialist immediately. Such conditions may require treatment.