Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis describes the replacement of normal bone by vascular spongy bone. It causes a progressive conductive deafness due to fixation of the stapes at the oval window. Otosclerosis is autosomal dominant and typically affects young adults

Onset is usually at 20-40 years - features include:

• conductive deafness
• tinnitus
• tympanic membrane
  • the majority of patients will have a normal tympanic membrane
  • 10% of patients may have a 'flamingo tinge', caused by hyperaemia
• positive family history

Management

• hearing aid
• stapedectomy