Are you also losing your hearing? Let's talk about Otosclerosis

Have you ever lost your hearing when someone speaks softly or whispers? Do you sometimes turn up the volume on the TV too much? Although it is normal for hearing to decrease a little as you get older, sometimes this can happen at a young age, that is, between the ages of 20 and 45. Although many people do not pay much attention to this, one of the main reasons for this is a disease called Otosclerosis. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Otosclerosis?

This name may sound a bit complicated. Let's break it down. "Oto" means "pertaining to the ear." "Sclerosis" means "abnormal thickening or hardening of a tissue in the body." So, in simple terms, Otosclerosis is a condition in which the bones in the ear become abnormally thick, causing hearing loss.

Our bodies are constantly renewing their bones. This is called bone remodeling. This happens throughout life. However, in people with otosclerosis, the bones in the middle ear, or rarely the inner ear, start to grow abnormally, that is, too much, when this process occurs. This prevents sound waves from traveling properly into the ear. This is why hearing gradually decreases.

People with this condition can experience mild to severe hearing loss. However, it is rare for it to cause complete deafness. It usually affects both ears, but one ear is more affected than the other.

How common is this condition?

Otosclerosis affects millions of people worldwide. It is the leading cause of hearing loss due to mechanical damage to the middle ear, especially among young adults. Although it can affect anyone, it is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 45. It can also be passed down from generation to generation.

What are the symptoms of otosclerosis?

The main and most common symptom of this disease is a gradual, gradual loss of hearing. It doesn't happen all at once, it happens gradually. You may not realize it at first.

Other symptoms are:

• Not being able to hear things spoken softly or whispering.
• Difficulty hearing low-pitched sounds.
• Some people may have balance issues .
• Feeling dizzy (Vertigo).
• Hearing a ringing or 'ringing' sound in the ears (tinnitus).
• Dizziness .

Why is this happening? What is the reason?

To understand this, you need to have a little idea of ​​how our ears work. Inside our ears, in the middle ear, there are three very small bones. These are called ``ossicles.`` When sound waves enter the ear, these three bones vibrate, amplify the sound, and send it to the cochlea, a part of the inner ear. It is there that these sound waves are converted into electrical signals that travel to the brain.

In otosclerosis, new bone tissue forms around the stapes bone, one of these three bones, a tiny, triangular bone, and it becomes trapped by the surrounding bones. In other words, it becomes locked in place. It can't vibrate freely.

Think of a musical instrument, a triangle. When you strike it with a string hanging freely from the top, it vibrates and makes a beautiful sound. But what happens if you squeeze the triangle tightly? The sound is muffled, isn't it? That's what happens when extra bone grows around the stapes bone. Sound waves can't travel properly.

Who is most at risk of developing this condition?

Let's look at the factors that are most at risk for this. Having something like this doesn't mean that the disease will develop, but it does mean that the risk is higher.

How does a doctor find this?

If you notice a change in your hearing, first see your family doctor. If he or she suspects this, he or she will refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT specialist).

The specialist will first make sure that you do not have any other conditions that have similar symptoms to yours. Then, they will do some tests to see how much your hearing has decreased.

These tests may include:

• Audiogram: This measures whether you can hear sounds at different frequencies.
• Tympanogram: This test checks how well your eardrum is working.
• CT scan: Sometimes, the doctor may order a CT scan if they want to take a closer look at the bones and tissues inside the ear.

Okay, what are the treatments now?

Treatment for otosclerosis depends on where the abnormal bone growth is and the severity of your condition. Most people can manage the condition successfully.

Hearing aids

This is the most common method. Hearing aids amplify the sounds in your environment, allowing you to hear better. An audiologist will adjust the settings of these devices to suit your needs. But remember, hearing aids can improve your hearing, but they cannot stop the progression of otosclerosis.

Stapedectomy surgery

This is the surgery for Otosclerosis. In this, an ENT surgeon removes the stuck stapes bone in your middle ear and replaces it with a small artificial device (prosthesis). This artificial bone bypasses the stuck stapes bone and allows sound waves to pass directly into the inner ear. This improves hearing again.

If both of your ears are affected, the doctor will only operate on one ear at a time. After the first operation, give it time to heal, and then about six months later, the other ear will be operated on.

Cochlear implants

This treatment is recommended for people whose cochlea, the part of the ear that is affected by the disease, is completely bypassed by a cochlear implant, creating a new pathway for sound to reach the brain.

How quickly will this condition progress? What will happen if it is not treated?

Otosclerosis usually progresses very slowly, over a period of years. However, the time it takes can vary from person to person. It often starts in one ear and spreads to the other ear over time.

If left untreated, otosclerosis can gradually worsen over time. Sometimes, it can spread to the inner ear and cause further complications. So it's best to talk to your doctor to decide what treatment is best for you, or to monitor your symptoms for a while.

Can Otosclerosis be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this disease. Because it is often caused by genetic factors, it cannot be prevented by things like avoiding exposure to loud noises.

When should you see a doctor?

The simple answer is, you should see a doctor anytime you notice any change or decrease in your hearing . Early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If your doctor tells you that you have otosclerosis, you can ask him these questions:

• How serious is my condition?
• Will I benefit from hearing aids, or will I need surgery?
• If you have surgery, how long can you wait?
• If left untreated, how long will it take for my hearing to get worse?

The answers to these questions will help you gain a better understanding of your situation.