Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Myringosclerosisandtympanosclerosisare similar conditions that affect the middle ear, causing the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to appear bright white. Mild and often reversible hearing loss can occur with either, though it’s more common and damaging with tympanosclerosis.
This article explains the symptoms and causes, and compares the treatment of both. It will help you to know the risk factors that may lead to these ear problems.
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Symptoms of Myringosclerosis and Tympanosclerosis
Myringosclerosis usually does not cause any symptoms, but it can sometimes be associated with very mild conductivehearing loss. Hearing loss is more common with tympanosclerosis.
What Causes Myringosclerosis and Tympanosclerosis?
The eardrum is normally thin and translucent. With these conditions, it may thicken, harden, and lose its flexibility. Chronic inflammation in the middle ear may cause these changes.
Conditions that may contribute to the development of myringosclerosis and tympanosclerosis include:
A 2020 study of 582 people treated with a ventilation tube procedure found 29% developed myringosclerosis. The results were consistent with other research that identifies roughly a third of people developing the condition after ear tube placement.
The Difference Between Tympanosclerosis and MyringosclerosisMyringosclerosis is a buildup of calcium in the eardrum. It may not lead to symptoms, and it can be hard to tell the difference from other conditions.Tympanosclerosis is due to scarring associated with ear infections, with calcification of collagen affecting both the middle ear and tympanic membrane.It can cause permanent damage.
The Difference Between Tympanosclerosis and Myringosclerosis
Myringosclerosis is a buildup of calcium in the eardrum. It may not lead to symptoms, and it can be hard to tell the difference from other conditions.Tympanosclerosis is due to scarring associated with ear infections, with calcification of collagen affecting both the middle ear and tympanic membrane.It can cause permanent damage.
Hearing Loss and Deafness
Diagnosing Myringosclerosis and Tympanosclerosis
Anotolaryngologist, a healthcare provider specializing in diagnosing and treatingear, nose, and throatdisorders, evaluates these conditions. Methods include:
Tests for Hearing Loss
How Are Tympanosclerosis and Myringosclerosis Treated?
Myringosclerosis is usually asymptomatic and doesn’t typically require treatment. However, there’s some evidence that symptoms can be avoided with the type of surgical approach (radiofrequency vs. incision). More study is needed, but other treatments to prevent myringosclerosis may include:
The treatment for tympanosclerosis is surgery to repair the eardrum and any other middle ear structures involved. A surgeon will remove the hardened (sclerotic) portions of the eardrum during surgery. They may also have to repair themiddle ear bones(ossicular chain).
What are the complications of tympanosclerosis?A complication that sometimes occurs with tympanosclerosis occurs when thestapes(the third bone in the middle ear) become fixed. When this happens, the stapes can’t move and therefore can’t transmit sound. In these circumstances, a surgeon will perform astapedectomyor stapedotomy.
What are the complications of tympanosclerosis?
A complication that sometimes occurs with tympanosclerosis occurs when thestapes(the third bone in the middle ear) become fixed. When this happens, the stapes can’t move and therefore can’t transmit sound. In these circumstances, a surgeon will perform astapedectomyor stapedotomy.
Endoscopic surgery also is possible. If the hearing loss does not entirely resolve following the surgery, a device such as a hearing aid may be helpful.
What Is Cholesteatoma?Acholesteatomais a growth in the ear that can form after repeated ear infections,Eustachian tubedysfunction, or trauma like an eardrum puncture. It can lead to complications including facial paralysis, permanent hearing loss, and infection that spreads to the brain.
What Is Cholesteatoma?
Acholesteatomais a growth in the ear that can form after repeated ear infections,Eustachian tubedysfunction, or trauma like an eardrum puncture. It can lead to complications including facial paralysis, permanent hearing loss, and infection that spreads to the brain.
Cholesteatoma: What You Need to Know
Summary
Myringosclerosis and tympanosclerosis are conditions that occur with calcification on the eardrum or, as occurs with the latter, a spread into the middle ear. Myringosclerosis doesn’t always cause symptoms, but tympanosclerosis may result in hearing loss. Myringosclerosis is common in children and often associated with ear tube treatment.
Researchers aren’t clear on the causes, though myringosclerosis is common in children and often associated with ear tube treatment. Treatment isn’t always necessary for myringosclerosis. However,surgeryand hearing aids might help tympanosclerosis.
It’s important to see a healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis and early treatment. It’s possible that permanent hearing loss or serious complications can occur without treatment.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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