What does otosclerosis refer to in the context of tympanometry?

In the context of tympanometry, otosclerosis specifically refers to the stiffness of the tympanic membrane as a result of calcification. This condition mainly affects the stapes bone in the middle ear, where abnormal bone growth occurs, leading to reduced mobility of the stapes. When tympanometry is performed, it measures the compliance of the tympanic membrane. In cases of otosclerosis, the stiffness caused by the calcified structures prevents the tympanic membrane from moving freely, which is reflected as a reduced compliance on the tympanometry results. This reduction indicates a potential issue with sound transmission, which is characteristic of otosclerosis. Understanding this relationship between otosclerosis and tympanometry is crucial for diagnosing hearing loss associated with this condition.