Question
A 30- year old woman with a family history of hearing loss developed 5 years back. Hearing loss is bilateral, slowly progressive, she also complains of hearing better in noisy surroundings. What could be the diagnosis?
| A. |
Otosclerosis
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| B. |
Acoustic neuroma
|
| C. |
Sigmoid sinus thrombosis
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| D. |
Otitis media with effusion
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer � A
Explanation
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|
Ans : A. Otosclerosis
- Hearing better in noisy surroundings – Paracusis Willisii.
- With family history of progressive hearing loss – The case scenario gives a diagnosis of otosclerosis.
Otosclerosis is a common cause of hearing loss. It is caused by a problem with the tiny bones (ossicles) which transmit vibrations through the middle ear so we can hear sound. Usually both ears are affected in otosclerosis but sometimes only one ear is affected.
Otosclerosis affects about 1 or 2 in 100 people in the UK.
- It usually first develops between the ages of 15-35 years but sometimes develops in younger children.
- Women are affected twice as often as men.
- Pregnancy is not a cause but may make the condition worse, so symptoms are commonly first noticed during pregnancy.
Otosclerosis symptoms
- Hearing loss
- Speaking softly
- Hearing better in noisy surroundings
- Hearing sounds from within your body
- Dizziness and balance problems
