Tympanosclerosis

Tympanosclerosis is a pathological condition which results in deposits of dense hyaline tissue or even bone in the lamina propria of the middle ear mucous membrane. It is induced by chronic inflammation in the middle ear, and is likely a Type III immune complex disease. Clinical tympanosclerosis results in decreased sound conduction by fixing ossicles or the tympanic membrane, or by obstruction to ventilation of the middle ear or mastoid. Management is dictated by the location and extent of the tympanosclerotic involvement. Ossicular problems are met by removal of the tympanosclerosis and reconstruction of the chain. The exception to this is in involvement of the stapes and oval window where stapedectomy is usually necessary. Tympanosclerosis is not expected to recur, but in the oval window fibrous scarring usually refixes a mobilized stapes. A greater incidence in recent years is due to an increased awareness and interest.