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Updated: May 17, 2026

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Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Tympanosclerosis-how we look at it.
Summary
Tympanosclerosis (TS) surgery effectively improves hearing. Meticulous removal of tympanosclerotic plaques (TSP) over the ossicular chain yields better outcomes than en-bloc removal.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Tympanosclerosis (TS) is a common sequela of chronic otitis media.
- It affects all age groups and can necessitate surgical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surgical removal of tympanosclerotic plaques (TSP).
- To assess the impact of different surgical techniques on hearing outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 520 surgical cases over 3 years.
- Identification and surgical removal of TSP in 68 cases (13%).
- Comparison of hearing results between meticulous TSP removal and en-bloc removal.
Main Results:
- TSP was surgically removed in 13% of cases.
- 60% of TSP cases involved the ossicular chain, impacting mobility.
- Meticulous TSP removal resulted in hearing outcomes comparable to non-TS surgery.
Conclusions:
- Surgical removal of TSP is indicated for hearing improvement in chronic otitis media.
- Systematic, meticulous TSP removal offers superior hearing results compared to en-bloc methods.
Keywords:
TympanosclerosisRelated Concept Videos
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Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
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When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
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The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
Auditory Pathway
Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
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Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
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The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
