The pathology of myringosclerosis and tympanosclerosis is not always well understood.

With tympanosclerosis, deposits formed by calcified collagen appear on the eardrum but also themiddle ear structures.

This article explains the symptoms and causes, and compares the treatment of both.

A woman with pain in her ear

IAN HOOTON / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

It will help you to know the risk factors that may lead to these ear problems.

Hearing loss is more common with tympanosclerosis.

What Causes Myringosclerosis and Tympanosclerosis?

The eardrum is normally thin and translucent.

With these conditions, it may thicken, harden, and lose its flexibility.

Chronic inflammation in the middle ear may cause these changes.

The Difference Between Tympanosclerosis and Myringosclerosis

Myringosclerosis is a buildup of calcium in the eardrum.

Methods include:

How Are Tympanosclerosis and Myringosclerosis Treated?

Myringosclerosis is usually asymptomatic and doesn’t typically require treatment.

A surgeon will remove the hardened (sclerotic) portions of the eardrum during surgery.

They may also have to repair themiddle ear bones(ossicular chain).

What are the complications of tympanosclerosis?

When this happens, the stapes can’t move and therefore can’t transmit sound.

In these circumstances, a surgeon will perform astapedectomyor stapedotomy.

Endoscopic surgery also is possible.

What Is Cholesteatoma?

Myringosclerosis doesn’t always cause symptoms, but tympanosclerosis may result in hearing loss.

Myringosclerosis is common in children and often associated with ear tube treatment.

Treatment isn’t always necessary for myringosclerosis.

However,surgeryand hearing aids might help tympanosclerosis.

It’s important to see a healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis and early treatment.

It’s possible that permanent hearing loss or serious complications can occur without treatment.

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