Otosclerosis, popularly known as "ear calcification", mainly affects women, but it is more common in individuals aged 25-30. Experts state that hearing loss, tinnitus and, to a lesser extent, dizziness symptoms can be seen in patients with otosclerosis, and they state that treatment is possible with a prosthesis. Experts point out that if the ear calcification is not treated, the patient's hearing loss will increase.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Topak shared important information about ear calcification.
Can't find why it occurred
Stating that otosclerosis is defined as ear calcification, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said, “Otosclerosis stems from the bone part of the inner ear and the base of the stirrup bone. It is a disease of the ear bone, whose cause has not yet been revealed, affecting hearing and balance functions depending on the size, activity and location of the pathology. "Experimental studies cannot be done because the disease occurs only in humans," he said.
It is more common in 25-30 years old
Stating that ear calcification is seen at a rate of 0.3 to 1 percent, although it varies from society to society, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said, “Although otosclerosis is seen twice as much in women compared to men, it is most frequently detected in individuals between the ages of 20-35. It is a very rare disease to be seen outside the white race. 60 percent of the patients also have a family history, ”he said.
Watch out for these symptoms!
Stating that the prominent complaints in ear calcification are hearing loss, tinnitus and, to a lesser extent, dizziness, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak continued his words as follows:
“Hearing loss is usually bilateral and progressive. It can start earlier in one ear. Hearing loss increases during pregnancy. Hearing loss is of conductive character due to calcification of the connection area of the stirrup with the inner ear, but in cases where the inner ear is affected, it may be in the inner ear type hearing loss characteristic called sensorineural hearing loss. Tinnitus increases as hearing loss progresses. The course of hearing loss may differ from patient to patient. In some patients, hearing loss continues stagnant and may not progress for years. In some patients, it progresses rapidly. 20-70% of the patients state that they can hear speech sounds better when traveling by car, bus or train or working in a noisy environment. In addition, the low voices of the patients draw attention. "
Prosthetic treatment possible
Noting that surgical treatment and the use of hearing aids are essential in the treatment after the diagnosis is made, Topak said, “However, fluoride therapy can also be used to prevent the progression of the disease, but this method is not used frequently because its effectiveness cannot be determined and its side effects are high. In surgical treatment, an opening is created in the area of the stirrup bone that connects with the inner ear, which cannot move due to calcification, and a prosthesis is placed here. If left untreated, hearing loss will increase in the patient. "If the patient does not accept surgical treatment, the hearing aid is considered as a good option."
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