otosclerosis Archives - The New York Otolaryngology Group

If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.

Do I need revision stapes surgery?

Question:

Many years ago I was diagnosed at Mass Eye and Ear with otosclerosis. I was operated on by Dr. Joseph Nadol. Over the past few years, my hearing has once again diminished and I wonder if its possible to do a revision? Also, my other ear was never been operated on. I am 68 years old, female, and a medical librarian, and my loss of hearing is obviously impinging on my work and life. I would prefer to not have to travel back to Boston…is this something you can help me with?

Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding your hearing loss. It is often possible to regain excellent hearing with revision stapes surgery. It all depends on the nature of the hearing loss that you have. The first step would be to re-test your hearing. I would be happy to help you if you’d like. You can make an appointment online or by calling our office. Best of luck.

Neil M Sperling, MD

Associate Professor
SUNY Downstate
Brooklyn, NY

If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.

CT Scan or Tympanogram for Otosclerosis?

QUESTION: Would a tympanogram always reveal if someone has otosclerosis? Or is a CT scan a more conclusive way to determine if someone has otosclerosis? Would you recommend a CT Scan or Tympanogram for Otosclerosis diagnosis?

ANSWER: Although not mandatory, a CT scan done properly will reveal evidence of otosclerosis in the majority of cases.  A tympanogram is far less specific.

Thanks for your question!

Neil Sperling, MD

NYOG proudly announces the publication a new textbook co-edited by Dr. Neil Sperling.

Available from Plural Publishers in January 2014

 Otosclerosis book

Otosclerosis
by De Souza, Goycoolea & Sperling

If you have a question or concern, send us an email. A doctor from one of our centers will answer your question in confidence. We may post the Q & A on the blog if space permits to help others who may have the same question, but will not use your name.

Do I have otosclerosis?

Question: Recently semi-diagnosed with otosclerosis. History of swimmers ear, right ear, and for over 3 years recurrent ear infections, and one time small staff infection at the beach. It all cleared up. I was fine until Oct 29th of this year, took a mountain trip with sinus trouble, ear popped and now having clogged ear feeling. Right ear only with buzzing and screeching sound now. For about 6 weeks, spent with an ENT in Charlotte after several hearing evaluations at my visit, he is pretty sure it is otosclerosis. Can this come on that sudden? Do I have otosclerosis? The doctor says I am not ready for surgery yet. He will recheck my ear in 4 weeks, and then maybe consider a small hearing device. I have no pain or balance problems. But sometimes, I hear my bones or something in the back if my ear/head make a sound. Help!

Answer :

Thank you for your inquiry.  It’s difficult to be sure whether you have otosclerosis or the consequences of prior ear infections.  Of course, there is more than one condition that can present with ear stuffiness and hearing loss. It is possible for it to start rather suddenly, or you become suddenly aware of something that has been slowly developing.

Otosclerosis is a problem that causes stiffening of the joints between the little hearing bones (ossicles) in the middle ear.  This serves to muffle the sound as it goes from the eardrum, through the ossicles to the inner ear.  It usually develops when you’re in the 20s and can cause a significant hearing loss.  Otosclerosis is readily treated with surgery to replace these bones (stapedectomy) or with hearing aids.

Usually, the diagnosis becomes clearer as time passes, and with careful examinations.  If it worsens, surgery or hearing aids are considered.  If you send us a copy of your hearing test, we may be able to give you a better idea.

I hope this helps clear things up.

Best of Luck.

Neil M Sperling, MD

New York Otolaryngology Group

36A East 36th Street

New York, NY 10016

 

Associate Professor

SUNY Downstate

Brooklyn, NY

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