Can otosclerosis be prevented?

Otosclerosis cannot be prevented; the genetic link to developing otosclerosis means that people are susceptible to developing this disease based on their family history. However, if you notice that you have symptoms of otosclerosis, including gradual hearing loss and dizziness, you should mention these to your doctor. If you do have otosclerosis, know that early treatment can help you maintain your hearing. You should also mention that you have a family history of otosclerosis if you know that this disease runs in your family. Lastly, if you have tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or clicking in the ears) as a symptom of otosclerosis, you may wish to take other measures to make sure your hearing is not damaged further. For example, you should be careful to protect your ears when you are exposed to loud sounds, such as on an MP3 player.