Myringosclerosis seems to be more common than tympanosclerosis. Most research has not been conducted upon the general, healthy population, but rather those with otitis media or patients who have had tympanostomy tubes in prior procedures. Of the children studied who had 'glue ear', and who were treated with tympanostomy tubing, 23-40% of cases had tympanosclerosis. One study suggested that people with atherosclerosis were more likely to have tympanosclerosis than otherwise healthy individuals.

The aetiology for tympanosclerosis is not extensively understood. There are several probable factors which could result in the condition appearing, including:

- Long term otitis media (or 'glue ear')

- Insertion of a tympanostomy tube. If aspiration is performed as part of the insertion, the risk of tympanosclerosis occurring increases. Risk also increases if a larger tube is used, or if the procedure is repeated.

- Atherosclerosis

- There is ongoing research as to whether or not cholesteatoma is associated with tympanosclerosis. If there is an association, it is likely that the two conditions co-exist.