Sensorineural hearing loss and CT abnormalities in otosclerosis: Insights from otopathological specimens

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q2 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101569

Rafael da Costa Monsanto , Cassiano Mangini Dias Malpaga , Hélio Kiitiro Yamashita , Flávia Barros Suzuki , Norma de Oliveira Penido

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

To identify audiometric profiles of otosclerosis patients and present Computed Tomography (CT) findings with their otopathological correlates using human temporal bone specimens.

Methods

We analyzed sequential patients diagnosed with otosclerosis at a university hospital. Each patient underwent hearing evaluations and CT scans. We assessed the type and severity of hearing loss and the presence and location of otosclerotic foci. Audiometric results and CT images were compared. Additionally, representative otopathological specimens from the Paparella Otopathology & Pathogenesis Laboratory were examined to understand the impact of otosclerotic foci on cochlear and inner ear structures.

Results

The study included 40 patients (25 female, 15 male; mean age 50.9 years, range 24–72). Most patients were white (62.5%), with others being black (35%) or Asian (2.5%). Symptoms typically began at age 36.4 years, with an average disease duration of 14.3 years. Audiometric analysis of 71 ears (excluding 9 previously operated) showed mixed hearing loss in 64.78%, sensorineural loss in 23.94%, conductive loss in 2.81%, and normal hearing in 8.45%. Our data revealed a significantly higher prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss among patients with otosclerosis compared to previous reports. This disparity may be due to our higher diagnostic rate, as CT scans were used for patients with unexplained sensorineural hearing loss, and the longer disease course related to delayed specialist access caused by structural issues in the Brazilian health system. Relevant CT findings are presented and compared with similar otopathology specimens.

Conclusions

Our study highlights a higher prevalence of mixed and sensorineural hearing loss in patients with otosclerosis than previously reported, suggesting that otosclerosis may be associated with more significant auditory impairment than commonly recognized. However, given the limitations of our retrospective design and the potential influence of co-morbidities, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Level of evidence

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来源期刊

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY-

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

205

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology publishes original contributions in otolaryngology and the associated areas (cranio-maxillo-facial surgery and phoniatrics). The aim of this journal is the national and international divulgation of the scientific production interesting to the otolaryngology, as well as the discussion, in editorials, of subjects of scientific, academic and professional relevance. The Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology is born from the Revista Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia, of which it is the English version, created and indexed by MEDLINE in 2005. It is the official scientific publication of the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery. Its abbreviated title is Braz J Otorhinolaryngol., which should be used in bibliographies, footnotes and bibliographical references and strips.