Otosclerosis is hearing loss due to abnormal bone growth in your middle ear. The abnormal growth disturbs the complex series of energy transformations vital to hearing.
In a nutshell: The tiny bones inside your ear no longer vibrate correctly, making hearing much harder. Otosclerosis can affect one or both ears.
Zoom in: With otosclerosis, the stapes bone in the middle ear becomes fixed and can't vibrate normally.
- Over 3 million Americans have otosclerosis.
- Why some people develop it is unknown, but it runs in families.
- There are no known preventive measures.
Why it matters
Left untreated, otosclerosis worsens, leading to gradual hearing loss.
- Symptoms sneak up: Typical early signs are gradual hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Low-frequency sounds like thunder, car engines, and men's voices are more challenging.
- Dizziness is also a possibility.
Who's at risk
- White women under 40 have the highest risk (otosclerosis starts in their 20s and 30s).
- Genetics and pregnancy increase the risk.
- Loud noise doesn't cause otosclerosis.
Next steps
If you suspect a hearing problem, see an audiologist. Otosclerosis is diagnosed with a hearing test. If the audiogram indicates conductive hearing loss, it may be otosclerosis.
Options
- Mild cases of otosclerosis may only require monitoring.
- Hearing aids will improve hearing but not prevent otosclerosis from worsening.
- For more significant cases, stapedectomy surgery is usually successful at restoring hearing by replacing the stapes bone.
Make time your ally
Catching hearing issues early allows for more treatment options to correct or slow hearing loss, whether due to otosclerosis or another condition.
Call to schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist. Don't guess about hearing loss. Find out.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain —
- How much hearing you've lost, and the cause
- Whether your hearing needs treatment
- The hearing-aid options available to treat your hearing loss
Don't let untreated hearing loss threaten your health and happiness.
Crest Hill, IL - 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills, IL - 708-599-9500
