Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is the most common cause of progressive conductive and mixed hearing loss.1-3 Its diagnosis is usually unproblematic and based on the combination of normal otoscopy, a typical audiogram, and absence of stapedial reflexes. In atypical cases, investigation with high-resolution imaging is recommended. In case of conductive hearing loss and depending on the severity of the symptoms, three treatments are available.2 Watchful waiting is advised for patients with very slight hearing losses without social discomfort, and a hearing aid can be provided to patients with hearing problems but unwilling to undergo surgery. Surgery is the treatment of choice for the conductive component and is preferred because of its high success rate and low complication rate. Because surgery is always elective, in-depth counselling of the patient is important.1,2