Does Pregnancy Affect Otosclerosis?

Abstract

We found no adverse effect on hearing in otosclerotic women who had children compared with women without children. Even with increasing numbers of pregnancies, no deleterious impact was noted. Air conduction, bone conduction, and discrimination were not worse in women with children versus childless women. No significant correlation was found between the number of children and hearing loss, and neither did breastfeeding affect the amount of hearing loss.

Predictive Role of Audiological and Clinical Features for Functional Results after Stapedotomy

“…Similar results were obtained from our study. Nevertheless, Lippy et al [2005] described a persistent difference after surgery as opposed to our postoperative results. However, despite this dissimilarity we agree in concluding that women with children did not have (conductive or sensorineural) hearing deterioration after stapedotomy.…”

“…The discrepancy between the number of affected and healthy patients probably makes small differences undetectable. Lippy et al [2005] studied the effect of pregnancy on hearing in women. They showed that preoperative mean BC-PTA was significantly better in women with children.…”

The pathophysiology of otosclerosis: Review of current research

“…In otosclerosis, hearing deterioration has been associated with pregnancy, and thus sex hormones were believed to be involved in the progression of the disease (Menger and Tange, 2003). Study of Lippy et al, in 2005 compared female patients with (n ¼ 47) and without (n ¼ 47) children. Many women had bilateral form of otosclerosis so total number of ears studied was 128.…”

Otorhinolaryngological complaints in pregnancy: a prospective study in a tertiary care centre

“…Since the 1930s, the onset of otosclerosis was linked with pregnancy, with advice to patients ranging from termination of pregnancy and sterilization 8 to delaying surgical treatment until their families are complete. 9 However, since 1974, an increasing number of studies are dismissing the relationship between pregnancy and otosclerosis as being coincidental. 9,10 Tinnitus is the common complaint during pregnancy, with various proposed theories of pathogenesis including hyperdynamic circulation, increase in perilymphatic fluid pressure and hormonal changes.…”

“…9 However, since 1974, an increasing number of studies are dismissing the relationship between pregnancy and otosclerosis as being coincidental. 9,10 Tinnitus is the common complaint during pregnancy, with various proposed theories of pathogenesis including hyperdynamic circulation, increase in perilymphatic fluid pressure and hormonal changes. 11 Eustachian tube dysfunction: Autophony is a classical complaint of these patients, suffering from a Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET).…”