Otosclerosis
Concept and Etiology: The word otosclerosis is derived from “oto” which means of
the ear and “sclerosis” meaning abnormal hardening of body tissue (NIDCD,
2018). Therefore, otosclerosis is the abnormal bone growth of the middle ear. This
abnormal spongelike bone is formed during the bone remodeling process in the
middle ear (NIDCD, 2018). It deviates from the definition of health because it
prevents the ear structures from vibrating in response to sound waves from the
middle ear to the inner ear causing hearing to be impaired (Story, 2017).,
Classification: There hasn’t been any clinical cause established for otosclerosis as
yet. However, some scientists believed it may have hereditary relations. Other
researchers believe that it could be related to the imbalance of three cytokine
immune-system cells necessary for healthy bone remodeling process in the body
(NIDCD, 2018).
Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms of otosclerosis include tinnitus, vertigo,
dizziness and gradual hearing loss that begins in one ear and progress to the other
ear.
Diagnostic Tests: Otosclerosis can be diagnosed via physical examination of the ear
and hearing test performed by an ENT specialist, ontologist or audiologist. Also a
CT scan of the middle ear may be necessary to diagnose otosclerosis (Story, 2017).
,
References
National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (July 17,
2018). Otosclerosis.,https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/otosclerosis#4
Story, L. (2017). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach, (3rd,ed). Understanding
conditions that affect the senses.,https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781284142983
