Otosclerosis, popularly known as “ear calcification”, predominantly affects women, but is more common in individuals aged 25-30. Stating that symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus and, to a lesser extent, dizziness can be seen in those with otosclerosis, experts state that treatment is possible with a prosthesis. Experts point out that if 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 occurs
Stating that otosclerosis is defined as ear calcification, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak, “Otosclerosis originates from the bony part of the inner ear and the base of the stirrup. It is a disease of the ear bone that affects hearing and balance functions according to the size, activity and location of the affected area. Experimental studies cannot be done because the disease only occurs in humans.
It is more common in 25-30 years of age.
Stating that ear calcification disease varies from society to society, it is seen at a rate of 0.3 to 1 percent. Dr. Murat Topak said, “Although otosclerosis is seen approximately twice as often in women as in men, it is most commonly detected in individuals between the ages of 20-35. It is a very rare disease to be seen outside of the Caucasian race. There is also a family history in 60 percent of the patients.
Watch out for these signs!
Stating that the complaints that are at the forefront of ear calcification are hearing loss, tinnitus and to a lesser extent, dizziness. Dr. Murat Topak continued his words as follows:
“Hearing loss is usually bilateral and progressive. It may start earlier in one ear. Hearing loss increases during pregnancy. Hearing loss is conductive due to the calcification of the connection region of the stirrup with the inner ear, but in cases where the inner ear is affected, it may be in the characteristic of inner ear type hearing loss, which is called sensorineural. Tinnitus increases as hearing loss progresses. The course of hearing loss may differ from patient to patient. In some patients, the hearing loss remains 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 attract attention.”
Prosthetic treatment possible
Noting that surgical treatment and the use of hearing aids are at the forefront in the treatment after the diagnosis is made, Topak said, “However, fluoride treatment can also be used to prevent the progression of the disease, but this method is not used frequently because its effectiveness cannot be determined exactly and its side effects are high. In surgical treatment, an opening is created in the area of the stirrup that connects with the inner ear, which cannot move due to calcification, and a prosthesis is placed here. If left untreated, the patient’s hearing loss will increase. If the patient does not accept surgical treatment, a hearing aid is considered a good option.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
