Etiology of otospongiotic sensorineural losses.

The etiology of otospongiotic-otosclerotic disease is enzymatic; the proteolytic enzymes released by the otospongiotic-otosclerotic foci damage the inner ear and are also the basis of the bony rebuilding of the OW niche leading to stapedial fixation. The trigger may be an autoimmune process due to the reaction of the enchondral otic capsule against the embryonic cartilaginous remnants, genetically determined to be located in the otic capsule and mainly in the fissula antefenestram.