Hearing Loss in Paget's Disease of Bone
Although many people lose some degree of hearing as part of the aging process, individuals with Paget's disease are more likely than other people the same age to have a hearing loss. Research studies have shown that Paget's disease causes hearing loss when the temporal bone is involved (i.e., the bone surrounding the inner ear), and this hearing loss is usually not due to compression or other effects on the auditory nerve. Paget's disease affects the cochlea, the coiled structure of the inner ear that converts sound vibration into nerve impulses. A change in the bone density of the cochlear capsule has also been observed in patients with Paget's disease who have a hearing loss, and this change may be associated with hearing loss in Paget's. When the temporal bone is involved, a more severe and progressive hearing loss may occur that may involve both sides or one side predominantly.
The type of hearing loss in Paget's disease may be conductive, sensorineural, or both. Some causes of the conductive component of the hearing loss may be correctable through surgery; however, this type of surgery has been found overall to be less effective than itis when the cause is other than Paget's disease.

Management
If a hearing loss is progressive and is due to Paget's disease, treating the underlying Paget's disease may slow the progression of the hearing loss. Any loss of hearing should be investigated as a medical condition because it may be due to serious or correctable problems such as perforation of the eardrum, infection, or even tumor in rare cases. It is especially important to investigate the cause of hearing loss when it involves one side more than the other because the presence of a tumor is more likely.
It is recommended that persons with Paget's disease and hearing loss, or with Paget's disease involving the skull, undergo a baseline hearing test and evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist or an otologist. The doctor may also want to study the temporal bone with special tests to determine whether Paget's diseaseis present in the ear.
Hearing loss can cause individuals to miss important communications and to withdraw from full participation in life. Even if hearing loss cannot be corrected with medication or surgery, most hearing loss can be overcome with a hearing aid. Other devices maybe used along with hearing aids and are available through hearing aid specialists and ear, nose, and throat doctors.
Content Courtesy : www.osteo.org
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}