Otosclerosis is a condition affecting the ear labyrinth or auditory ossicle, fixation of the stapes, and damage to the auditory nerve endings. The disease most commonly develops in women aged 40-45 years.
Causes
Currently, the causes of otosclerosis are not fully researched in Israel. In approximately 60% of cases, patients have relatives with this disease, which leads scientists to believe in the genetic inheritance of otosclerosis.
Symptoms of Otosclerosis
A patient suffering from otosclerosis has poor hearing in both ears, which does not affect their speech ability. In conditions of loud noise, hearing function may improve. During swallowing and chewing, the patient cannot understand the speech of the interlocutor. The patient constantly experiences ringing in the ears. In about half of the cases, the patient experiences dizziness. During exacerbation of the disease, pain may occur.
Diagnosis of Otosclerosis in Israel
The task of the specialist in Israel, to whom a patient with such symptoms comes for an appointment, is to accurately determine the type of hearing loss. Otoscopy or micro-otoscopy allows for the identification of manifestations of otosclerosis within the ear. The patient's insensitivity to whisper can be checked using audiometry. The degree of sound conduction is examined with a tuning fork. Vestibular apparatus testing is also conducted. A CT scan of the brain most accurately determines the location of the otosclerosis damage.
Treatment of Otosclerosis in Israel
Surgical treatment of otosclerosis is practiced in Israel. Surgery is possible if the bone conduction of sound is reduced to 25 dB, and air conduction to 50 dB, provided that the disease is not in an active stage. The first type of surgery is stapes mobilization, which frees the stapes from the adhesions limiting it. Another type is labyrinth fenestration (creating an additional auditory opening). These surgeries provide a temporary effect, and within a few years, hearing loss may develop with even greater intensity and rapidity. Stapedoplasty – the third type of surgery – involves implanting a prosthesis in place of the stapes. This type of surgery effectively improves hearing but does not stop the otosclerotic process. For prevention, it is recommended to avoid harmful habits, avoid loud noise, sound trauma, overexertion, and excessive physical strain.