How do medications treat otosclerosis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Hearing aids and surgery are the usual treatments for otosclerosis, although treatment is not always needed right away. Sometimes tinnitus, a symptom of otosclerosis where there is ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ears, is treated with medications, although this is not always the case. Medications that may be used for tinnitus include tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline and nortriptylene), Alprazolam (Niravam, Xanax), and Acamprosate (Campral). These medications are used for different conditions and may have side effects, leading some people to choose a hearing aid, white-noise machine, or masking device instead.

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Otosclerosis

Your ears convert sound waves into electrical impulses and send them to the brain via your nerves, and you interpret these impulses as sound. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth interferes with the normal functioning of structures in your ear, which disrupts with the path of sound waves or nerve impulses. This can cause you to lose your hearing, sometimes severely. The type of hearing loss we have depends on what ear structure(s) are affected. No one is sure what causes otosclerosis, but it tends to run in families, and white, middle-age women are most often affected. Some say it is linked to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, whereas others associate it with viral infections (such as measles). If you experience even gradual hearing loss (for instance, if you can't hear someone whispering), dizziness, problems balancing, or a ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), talk to your ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor. You may have otosclerosis.

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