Definition of Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a condition of the middle and inner ear where portions of the dense enchondral layer of the bony labyrinth remodel into one or more lesions of irregularly-laid spongy bone. As the lesions reach the stapes the bone is resorbed, then hardened (sclerotized), which limits its movement and results in hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo or a combination of these. The term otosclerosis is something of a misnomer: much of the clinical course is characterized by lucent rather than sclerotic bony changes, so the disease is also known as otospongiosis.
Terms mentioned above
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Frequently asked questions
What is Otosclerosis?
Otosclerosis is a condition of the middle and inner ear where portions of the dense enchondral layer of the bony labyrinth remodel into one or more lesions of irregularly-laid spongy bone.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Otosclerosis – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Henry Vandyke Carter – Public domain