Cochlear Implant Failure – Part 9 Video Talk by Dr Akbar Abbas
November 9, 2025Cochlear Implant Failure – Part 9 Video Talk by Dr Akbar Abbas
November 9, 2025Introduction
Otosclerosis is a condition that affects the tiny bones of the middle ear and can lead to gradual hearing loss.
According to Dr. Akbar Abbas, ENT Specialist and Otologist in Karachi, understanding this disorder is essential for early diagnosis and effective management.
What Is Otosclerosis?
The human middle ear contains three small bones—the malleus, incus, and stapes—that conduct sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
In otosclerosis, the stapes bone becomes abnormally fixed in place, preventing it from transmitting sound effectively to the inner ear. As a result, the person develops progressive hearing loss, commonly referred to as conductive deafness.
This condition is often seen in younger adults, occurs more frequently in women, and may sometimes run in families, though it can also appear in individuals without any hereditary link.
Symptoms and Evaluation
The main symptom of otosclerosis is gradual hearing loss, which may affect one or both ears.
For diagnosis, ENT specialists recommend:
- Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA): to measure hearing thresholds.
- Impedance Audiometry: to assess middle-ear pressure and movement.
- CT Scan of the Temporal Bone: occasionally performed to visualize the middle-ear structures and confirm the diagnosis.
Once confirmed, the next step is to determine the most suitable treatment approach.
Treatment Options
There are two primary management options for otosclerosis:
- Hearing Aid Support
- A high-quality hearing aid can help amplify sound and compensate for the reduced vibration of the stapes bone.
- It can be fitted in one or both ears, depending on the severity and extent of hearing loss.
- Surgical Correction (Stapedectomy or Stapedotomy)
- If the patient’s general health permits, surgery can be performed to replace or bypass the immobilized stapes bone.
- The modern method used today is the Endoscopic Stapedectomy or Endoscopic Stapedotomy, which allows precise correction with minimal tissue disruption and improved recovery.
Role of Medication
Currently, no medicine or injection has been proven effective for treating otosclerosis.
The condition does not respond to drug therapy, and definitive management remains limited to either hearing-aid fitting or surgical intervention.
Prognosis and Outlook
With proper evaluation and treatment, patients with otosclerosis can achieve excellent hearing improvement.
Early consultation with an ENT specialist and regular follow-up are vital for maintaining hearing health and preventing progression.
Conclusion
Otosclerosis is a treatable cause of hearing loss that responds well to timely diagnosis and modern surgical techniques.
If you or a family member experience gradual hearing loss, consult Dr. Akbar Abbas, ENT Specialist & Cochlear Implant Surgeon in Karachi, for professional evaluation and personalized management options.
Support for Patients and Families
This educational video allows students and patients to make informed decisions about their own and others’ health. Dr Akbar Abbas is a leading figure in ENT surgery within Pakistan, offering hope and expertise to countless patients facing similar challenges. He specializes in otolaryngology, cochlear implants, and ear surgery and is one of the few experts on pituitary and head and neck cancer surgery in Pakistan. Presently serving at Aga Khan University.
