Otosclerosis
Pronunciation: oh-toh-skle-ROH-sis
An abnormal bone remodelling disorder of the middle and inner ear that causes progressive conductive or mixed hearing loss, most commonly in young adults.
Full Definition
Otosclerosis is a condition characterised by abnormal remodelling of the bony capsule of the inner ear, typically resulting in fixation of the stapes footplate in the oval window. This fixation impedes the normal mechanical transmission of sound, causing conductive hearing loss that may progress to a mixed or sensorineural loss as the cochlea becomes involved. The condition predominantly affects women of childbearing age and may be exacerbated by pregnancy. Management options include stapedectomy or stapedotomy surgery, or conventional hearing aid fitting. Editors working on ENT or audiology documents should be careful to note that otosclerosis is distinct from otitis media, and the resulting hearing loss should be described as 'conductive' or 'mixed', not 'sensorineural', unless cochlear involvement is confirmed.
Usage
Usage note: 'Otospongiosis' is an accepted synonym used more frequently in some European countries; be consistent with the preferred term across a document.
In Context
- "The audiometric configuration was consistent with otosclerosis, showing a characteristic Carhart notch at 2000 Hz." — Audiological assessment report
- "The patient was referred to the ENT surgeon following a diagnosis of bilateral otosclerosis." — Referral letter