Otosclerosis and MŽnire's Disease
The ringing, roaring, clicking, or hissing sounds heard with tinnitus are actually warning signs of such diseases as infection, MŽnire's disease, and otosclerosis; or they may be caused by hard masses of wax in the ear; a stuffy nose; such drugs as quinine, antibiotics, aspirin, and alcohol; and excessive smoking. Noise resembling that of a
roaring ocean is characteristic of MŽnire's disease, but a low-pitched buzzing
sound may indicate otosclerosis.
Otosclerosis can cause
hearing loss if the abnormal bone-growths interfere with the stapes, which conduct sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Otosclerosis is usually first detected in teenagers and young adults. Heredity seems to be an important factor in most cases; infections are not a cause. The chief symptom is slow but progressive hearing loss. The disorder is often correctable with hearing aids, but in some
cases surgery may be advised. The operation does not stop the progress of the disease, but hearing may be restored for long periods of time.
More abstracts about the OTOSCEROSIS AND MENZIERES DISEASE