Tympanosclerosis

Abstract

The term tympanosclerosis is defined as ankylosis of the ossicular chain caused by chalk deposits or new bone formation. When the term was used in this sense, the author found tympanosclerosis in approximately 13% of a material consisting of 281 ears with chronic otitis. The most important points in diagnosis are the otoscopic picture and a disproportionate hearing loss. Mechanical removal of new bone often stimulates recurrence of new bone formation. In ankylosis of the stapes, stapedectomy ought to be done. When the ossicular chain is fixed at other points, it should be isolated from the surrounding bone with free fat or fascia grafts, after mobilisation.