What is Otosclerosis (Ear Calcification)?
Hearing occurs when sound waves vibrate the eardrum and move the three small bones (malleus, incus, stapes) in the middle ear. Otosclerosis is abnormal calcification at the base of the "Stapes" bone, rendering it immobile and blocking sound conduction.
Who Gets It and What Are the Symptoms?
It is commonly seen in young adults aged 20-40, especially females, and often has a genetic component. Hearing loss can suddenly accelerate during pregnancy. Patients interestingly report hearing better in noisy environments.
Miraculous Microsurgery: Stapedectomy
There is no medical cure for otosclerosis; the definitive solution is surgery. In the delicate microsurgery called Stapedectomy, mostly done via laser through the ear canal, the fixed stapes bone is removed and replaced with a millimetric "piston-prosthesis" (Teflon or Titanium). Post-surgery, hearing is largely and permanently restored to its healthy state.