Unilateral Hearing Loss Caused by Bilateral Otosclerosis in the Context of Prior Viral Infection - Case Report

This is a case report of a patient who presented with left sided hearing loss. The patient was found to have mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss of the left ear and restrictive hearing of the right ear. Subsequent imaging demonstrated evidence of bilateral otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is characterized by progressive pathological bone remodeling in the otic capsule, resulting in hearing loss. Given the disease burden of otosclerosis and the corresponding effects on quality of life, providers must have knowledge of the disease to incorporate it into working differential diagnoses for patients presenting with hearing loss. With increasing recognition of otosclerosis cases, there is greater hope for patients to explore and obtain treatment for the disease. Surgical treatment of otosclerosis can consist of surgical exploration of the middle ear with possible stapedectomy or stapedotomy, which have shown promising results. Alternatively, patients who are poor surgical candidates or who do not wish to pursue surgery, can pursue hearing aids for symptomatic management of their hearing loss.