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otosclerosis

Pathology: 1) conductive hearing loss 2) the tympano-ossicular mechanism of transmitting sound through the middle ear to the cochlea, oval & round windows becomes progressively stiffened 3) fixation of the stapes footplate eventually causes a conductive hearing loss [2] Genetics: usually family history of hearing loss History: - no history of exposure to loud noises Clinical manifestations: 1) gradual hearing loss - difficulty hearing low-pitched sounds 2) Rinne test shows bone conduction is better than air conduction 3) Weber test shows the tuning for heard more loudly in the affected ear [2] 4) hearing loss does not respond well to amplification 5) deafness can lead to social isolation Management: 1) surgery (stapedectomy or stapedotomy) can improve condition 2) hearing aid may be helpful [2]

Related

conductive hearing loss oval window; vestibular window Rinne test round window tympanic membrane (eardrum)

General

ear disease

References

  1. UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001
  2. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, 17 American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009, 2015
  3. Otosclerosis [NIDCD Health Information] http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otosclerosis.asp