What do you notice that is different about these images?? If you look closely at the arrows you will notice calcifications that should not be there. This is known as tympanosclerosis and by definition it is the formation of dense connective tissue in the middle ear, often resulting in hearing loss when the ossicles are involved. Tympanosclerosis is also known as myrinosclerosis or intratympanic tympanosclerosis. Myringosclerosis is classified by calcificaton only withing the tympanic membrane and and intratympanic tympanosclerosis is classified by calcification of any other structure in the middle ear, namely the ossicular chain, middle ear mucosa, or mastoid cavity. These diseases rarely result in any symptoms however, tympanoscerlosis can result in hearing loss or chalky white patches in the middle ear or temporal membrane. The exact cause of tympanosclersis is not completely understood but some probable factors are: long term otitis media, insertion of tympanostomy tubes, and atherosclerosis. Treatment for this disease can be hearing aids to treat the associated hearing loss or surgery. This involves removal of the affected areas and repair to the ossicular chain. Results are variable and can sometimes result in damage to the inner ear.
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