Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases (ENT) Specialist Prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil explained 5 important points to be known about Otosclerosis disease, which is common in Turkey but lacks awareness, and made important warnings and suggestions.
Otosclerosis, which is seen in 1% of the population, causes hearing loss especially in young adults. The incidence of the disease, which manifests itself mostly in the 20s, and is usually seen between the ages of 15-45, is twice as high in women as in men. Stating that there is no known cause of otosclerosis, genetic factors and hormonal changes may also cause the disease, ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil, according to the studies; He said that a previous measles infection triggered this abnormal bone formation.
Saying that the most important symptom of otosclerosis is hearing loss that gradually increases over time, ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil said, “While hearing loss progresses gradually over the years, about 75 percent of patients have hearing loss affecting both ears. Otosclerosis patients speak very quietly because they hear their own voices louder in their ears. Interestingly, some patients also state that they can follow conversations better in noisy environments. Hearing loss can sometimes be accompanied by tinnitus, dizziness and balance problems.
prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil “The diagnosis of the disease is made by an ENT specialist. While no abnormal findings are found in the ear examination, hearing tests are performed to determine the degree of hearing loss. In the hearing test, a conductive hearing loss, which is more pronounced especially in low frequencies (rough sounds), is found. People with ear calcification at a rate as high as 80 percent have hearing loss in both ears.
Emphasizing that ear calcification can cause permanent hearing loss if not treated, Prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil said, “When hearing loss is not treated, the brain loses its capacity to process words over time and patients may develop early dementia. In addition, depression caused by deafness is common. Early diagnosis of otosclerosis is very important. Since early diagnosis means early rehabilitation, it will ensure that patients are less affected by psychological and mental problems that may develop due to hearing loss.
ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil said the following about treatment:
“There is no cure for otosclerosis. In the treatment of hearing loss caused by the disease; Surgery is the most preferred and applied treatment method. In good hands, who perform this surgery frequently, the probability of significant improvement in hearing is 95 percent. The target hearing level is reached within a few weeks. In very advanced otosclerosis, where the inner ear is also affected, when there is total hearing loss, hearing can be achieved with cochlear implant surgery, popularly known as bionic ear. Hearing aids are used for people who do not want surgical treatment or are not suitable for surgery.