Definition: A white snow like thickened areas (chalky patches) seen on the tympanic membrane.
Pathology:
1. It is the end point of a healing process in which the collagen in fibrous tissue hyalinizes and becomes fused in a homogeneous mass. Calcification and perhaps ossification may occur to a variable extent.
2. Site: most frequently affects the tympanic membrane, but the ossicles can also be affected causing varying degrees of immobility of the ossicular chain.
Pathology:
1. It is the end point of a healing process in which the collagen in fibrous tissue hyalinizes and becomes fused in a homogeneous mass. Calcification and perhaps ossification may occur to a variable extent.
2. Site: most frequently affects the tympanic membrane, but the ossicles can also be affected causing varying degrees of immobility of the ossicular chain.
Causes of Tympanosclerosis
- Continued inflammation of the middle ear cleft and is present in one-quarter of ears with chronic otitis media.
- As a complication of ventilation tubes insertion, approximately 50% of ears treated with ventilation tubes develop some degree of tympanosclerosis.
Symptoms of Tympanosclerosis:
- History of ear discharge or ventilation tube insertion.
- Hearing loss of variable degree.
Signs (Doctor examination):
- Large white rough patches are seen covering parts of the tympanic membrane.
- Tympanic membrane perforation may be present.
Investigations:
- P.T.A: Variable degree of conductive deafness.
- Tympanometry: Shows reduced compliance.
Treatment of Tympanosclerosis
a. Medical treatment: needed only in the presence of ear discharge.
b. Surgery:
- Tympanic membrane grafting after removal of tympanosclerotic plates.
- Ossiculoplasty.
- Hearing aid.