If your audiologist or ENT specialist has determined that you have otosclerosis, you’ll probably be referred for either hearing aids or a surgical procedure called stapedectomy. This decision may seem daunting at first, so let’s break down the pros and cons of each treatment option and which one might work best for you.
What Is Otosclerosis?
Otosclerosis occurs due to abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. Your middle ear houses the three smallest bones in your whole body: the malleus, incus and stapes, which together are called the ossicles. These bones move and amplify sound vibrations from the eardrum into the inner ear. If one of the ossicles (most often, the stapes) forms abnormally or fuses with surrounding bone tissue, it can impede sound waves from reaching the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. Over 3 million Americans have otosclerosis, but at this time, the exact cause is unknown.
Hearing Aids for Treating Otosclerosis
Hearing aids have been effective in treating otosclerosis for many people. These devices amplify sounds deep into the ear, which can make up for the dysfunction of the ossicles.
Pros of Hearing Aids
- No surgery or recovery time
- Immediate improvement in hearing ability
- Settings are customizable and easy to adjust
Essentially, hearing aids are a great option for milder cases of otosclerosis, where the hearing loss is mild or moderate in severity, and a non-invasive treatment plan is feasible.
Cons of Hearing Aids
- Not a permanent solution
- Does not prevent otosclerosis from progressing
- Hearing loss may continue to develop to a point where hearing aids are no longer enough
- Ineffective against severe cases of hearing loss
Stapedectomy for Treating Otosclerosis
In this surgical procedure, the tiny stapes bone is removed from the ear and replaced with a prosthetic, which allows sound waves to resume moving through the middle ear unimpeded. It is most often performed by an ENT surgeon.
Pros of Stapedectomy
- Addresses the root cause
- Long-term solution
- Effective against severe cases of hearing loss
Cons of Stapedectomy
- Invasive surgery
- Recovery time is necessary
- Surgical risks (though rare, complications can occur)
Speak to Your Doctor
Most often, the decision whether to treat otosclerosis with hearing aids or surgery will come down to the severity of hearing loss and personal preference, although discuss both options in-depth with your healthcare provider; they will most certainly have the knowledge and experience to give you expert guidance and recommendations.
If you have any other questions about otosclerosis, or if you’re seeking treatment for this condition, contact Blue Ridge ENT today.