Tympanosclerosis

Scarring and calcium deposits in the eardrum or middle ear

Overview

Tympanosclerosis is the formation of hardened, chalky white plaques of scar tissue in the eardrum or the middle ear. It typically follows repeated middle ear infections or the placement of ventilation tubes. When limited to the eardrum, called myringosclerosis, it is usually visible on examination but causes little or no hearing change. When deposits involve the ossicles they can stiffen the chain of middle ear bones and produce conductive hearing loss. Surgery is sometimes considered for significant hearing loss, and hearing aids are an alternative.