Otosclerosis

Question 1

what is the pathophysiology of otosclerosis?

Answer 1

1. abnormal bone growth at the stapes
2. fixation of stapes to oval window
3. conductive hearing loss due to inability to vibrate

Question 2

What is the clinical presentation of otosclerosis?

Answer 2

1. slow progressive conductive hearing loss ( 2nd ear is effected most of the time)
2. Tinnitus (no other otological symtoms’
3. symptoms may increase during pregnancy or due to hormonal changes

Question 3

what is the etiology?

Answer 3

1. Hereditary link - autosomal dominant

Question 4

what kind of hearing loss does it cause?

Answer 4

conductive hearing loss

Question 5

What does audiometry show?

Answer 5

1. reduced air conduction in low frequencies

2. Carhart’s notch - increase in bone conduction threshold at 2000 hz

Question 6

Treatment options

Answer 6

1. trial of hearing to improve tinnitus

2. Stapedectomy (second line)