Fluctuating hearing with otosclerosis?

[gailic]

I was recently diagnosed with otosclerosis, with a moderate hearing loss in my left ear. At times, my right ear appears to exhibit similar symptoms, which I understand can occur, as otosclerosis is typically bilateral. However, I have been having some apparently unusual issues as well. Occasionally, pressure changes cause my ear to 'open up', and I can hear fairly normal. This lasts from one minute up to twenty minutes, but never much longer. My ENT appears a bit stumped by this. I was hoping someone could provide feedback, as to whether this occurs with otosclerosis. I do not have any vertigo and only mild tinnitus, which is consistent, even when hearing improves in my left ear. Any help on this is much appreciated.

[zafdor]

Well certainly the best person to answer this is an ENT. Since otosclorosis is a mechanical loss, it is within the realm of possibility that the pressure change gets the ossicles & in particular the footplate of the stapes into another position where it is not quite as fixed. I did have a failed stapedectomy where this occurred phenomena occurred for a few weeks. In my case the pressurization is what allowed the prosthetic to make good contact with the incus. If your ENT does not treat a lot of otot... patients you may want to seek out a new one, even if it means a little driving.

[gailic]

Thanks Zafdor, for the response! I have an appointment with a new ENT, to get a second opinion this week. Hopefully, this will provide me more clearcut answers. Take care.

[JgearyAud]

Its possible that you may have a mixed hearing loss and are experiencing Menieres or you could have fluid built up in the middle ear. Be sure to get several opinions before undergoing surgery!

[jedc53]

Hearing loss is deterioration in hearing.I thought you should go to a good ENT as soon as possible.It is usually treat with a course of steroids.The most common cause is exposure to noise.