What is otosclerosis?
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Otosclerosis is an ear disease that can cause hearing loss over time. The bones in the middle ear develop spongy growths of new bone (sclerosis); the growths are usually on the stapes, a middle-ear bone that leads to the inner ear. Because the new bone growth makes it difficult for the stapes to move properly, it is difficult for sound to be conducted to the inner ear. This type of otosclerosis is sometimes called stapedial otosclerosis, after the stapes.
Another, less common type of otosclerosis is cochlear otosclerosis. In this kind of otosclerosis, the filaments in the cochlea (part of the inner ear) become less flexible and eventually die.
Otosclerosis is an ear disease that can cause hearing loss over time. The bones in the middle ear develop spongy growths of new bone (sclerosis); the growths are usually on the stapes, a middle-ear bone that leads to the inner ear. Because the new... More -
Healthwise answered:Otosclerosis is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of bone in the space behind the eardrum (middle ear) and in the inner ear. Symptoms include tinnitus (such as ringing in the ears), dizziness, and some hearing loss, with severe hearing loss (deafness) developing as the middle and inner ear become less functional.
The cause of otosclerosis is unknown, although it may be hereditary. Hearing loss from otosclerosis is usually noticed between the ages of 11 and 30. Women have otosclerosis twice as often as men. The condition may get worse during pregnancy.
Hearing loss caused by otosclerosis may sometimes be improved by surgery.
Otosclerosis is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of bone in the space behind the eardrum (middle ear) and in the inner ear. Symptoms include tinnitus (such as ringing in the ears), dizziness, and some hearing loss, with severe hearing... More -
Dr. David Vernick answered:Conductive hearing loss is caused by a blockage of sound transmission through the outer ear or the middle ear that prevents sound waves from passing through to the inner ear. Otosclerosis is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss in young and middle-aged adults. It's characterized by abnormal growth of the bone that encases the labyrinth of the inner ear. The excess bone growth can press against the stapes, the smallest of the bones in the middle ear, preventing it from vibrating. Otosclerosis is at least partly genetic. While it runs in families, it can skip several generations, and it's more common in some groups of people than in others. Women are affected more often than men, and Caucasians are more susceptible than African Americans and Asians.Conductive hearing loss is caused by a blockage of sound transmission through the outer ear or the middle ear that prevents sound waves from passing through to the inner ear. Otosclerosis is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss in young... More
