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Otosclerosis may be slowly progressive, and the condition may not require treatment until the extent of hearing loss is significant.
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Medications such as oral fluoride, calcium or Vitamin D may help to stabilize the hearing loss, but their benefit has not yet been proved.
A hearing aid may be used to treat the hearing loss. This will not cure or prevent the progression of the disease, but may help alleviate the symptoms of hearing loss.
Surgery to remove the stapes and replace it with a prosthesis is curative. This may be total replacement (stapedectomy) or a laser may be used to make a hole in the stapes (stapedotomy) to allow placement of the prosthesis.
To reduce the risk of complications after surgery:
- Nose blowing is discouraged for 1 week after surgery.
- Avoid people with respiratory or other infections.
- Protect the ears against cold.
- Avoid bending, lifting, straining (may cause dizziness).
- Avoid loud noises or sudden pressure changes (scuba diving, flying, driving in the mountains) for 6 months or until healed.
If surgical repair is unsuccessful, total hearing loss may occur. Treatment then involves developing skills to cope with deafness, including use of hearing aids or other technology, and use of visual cues.
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