What does otosclerosis look like on an audiogram?

On an audiogram, patients with otosclerosis commonly have conductive hearing loss with a drop in the bone-conduction threshold at 2,000 Hz, called a Carhart notch. This finding, in addition to an absent acoustic reflex, is generally thought to be diagnostic of otosclerosis.

What is detected during the pure tone audiometry?

Pure-tone audiometry is a behavioral test used to measure hearing sensitivity. This measure involves the peripheral and central auditory systems. Pure-tone thresholds (PTTs) indicate the softest sound audible to an individual at least 50% of the time.

How do you test for otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis is diagnosed using tests including:

1. hearing tests – a person with otosclerosis typically has a hearing loss that affects all frequencies (pitches). The hearing loss may be conductive or mixed in nature.
2. CT scan – to check for damage to the cochlear nerve and labyrinth.

Is pure tone audiometry accurate?

Generally considered the be the ‘gold standard’ of hearing function tests, pure tone audiometry tests deliver highly accurate results. Due to this, they are the preferred test amongst the majority of hearing care professionals.

Will a hearing aid help otosclerosis?

Treatments for otosclerosis Otosclerosis can usually be treated successfully with either a hearing aid or surgery. If your hearing loss is very mild, you may not need any treatment at first.

Can a CT scan show otosclerosis?

In all patients with positive CT scan, otosclerosis was confirmed in surgery. Among 15 negative cases, we found 4 minor malformations and 1 fracture of the stapes.

When is pure tone audiometry used?

The cornerstone of audiologic testing is the pure-tone audiogram (PTA) and is used as a screening test for hearing loss. The aim is to establish hearing thresholds and, if abnormal, to distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

How does pure tone audiometry work?

A pure tone audiometry test measures the softest, or least audible, sound that a person can hear. During the test, you will wear earphones and hear a range of sounds directed to one ear at a time. The loudness of sound is measured in decibels (dB).

Who is otosclerosis most common in?

Otosclerosis is the most common cause of middle ear hearing loss in young adults. It typically begins in early to mid-adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. The condition may affect one or both ears.

Which is the procedure to correct for otosclerosis?

Surgery — Surgery can be a highly effective treatment for otosclerosis. The procedure is called a “stapedectomy” (or “stapedotomy”). The procedure is intended to “bypass” the fixed part of the stapes bone by removing it, and replacing it with a new, mobile, prosthetic bone.

How accurate is audiometry?

Considered to be the gold standard of hearing tests, an audiogram is over 92% accurate. What’s more – having your hearing function evaluated via an audiogram offers 94% in terms of specificity when assessing sensorineural hearing.

How much does otosclerosis surgery cost?

On MDsave, the cost of a Stapedectomy or Stapedectomy Revision is $8,269. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

When to use pure tone audiometry for hearing loss?

The patterns of abnormalities can be directly explained by alterations in the middle ear transfer function produced by stapes fixation (Harrell 2002). Pure tone audiometry is the most basic test that should be performed with any patient presenting with impairment in hearing.

Is there an audiological test for otosclerosis?

The audiological pattern in otosclerosis is unique. The patterns of abnormalities can be directly explained by alterations in the middle ear transfer function produced by stapes fixation (Harrell 2002). Pure tone audiometry is the most basic test that should be performed with any patient presenting with impairment in hearing.

What is the pure tone range of cochlear otosclerosis?

In the absence of cochlear involvement, the pure conductive hearing loss produced by the complete stapes fixation is limited to 60 to 65 dB, with a maximum air-bone gap across the frequency range. Figure 4–1 Pure tone audiogram of a patient suffering from cochlear otosclerosis.

How are otoacoustic emissions used to diagnose hearing loss?

The measurement of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) can also be helpful in establishing a conductive component to a hearing loss. OAEs are not present in ears with otosclerosis. Their presence effectively excludes not only such a diagnosis, but also a clinically important conductive middle ear component.