抄録
The idea that sensorineural hearing loss without an associated conductive loss due to stapes fixation can be attributed to otosclerosis is presented.
The literature on sensorineural hearing loss in otosclerosis is reviewed. Although a considerable number of related findings seems to support this idea, no confirming evidence has been found.
It has been believed that otosclerosis is rare in Japan and many otologists are uninterested in the idea of inner ear otosclerosis. Recently, however, some investigators reported a considerable number of patients with clinical and/or histological otosclerosis.
There are many cases of sensorineural hearing loss of unknown cause and its etiology has been a matter of concern.
As inner ear otosclerosis is clinically characterised by sensorineural hearing loss of unknown origin, it should be included in differential diagnosis when evaluating the etiology of sensorineural hearing loss in general.
