What do I need to know about caring for someone with otosclerosis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

If the person does not have much hearing loss, you may not need to do anything. If hearing loss is interfering with conversation, face the person when speaking and use a normal tone of voice. It may be hard for the person to hear low tones or whispers. You may also want to be sure that the place you're having the conversation doesn't interfere with hearing-for example, it might be hard to hear what you're saying if there is a lot of background noise. The person may need help to get to medical appointments; driving with hearing loss is dangerous for those not practiced in driving using full-view mirrors or other such equipment.

Continue Learning about Otosclerosis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

There is controversy around the reason why Beethoven, a musician born in the 1700s, became deaf late...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Although it isn't fully known why people get otosclerosis, there are several factors that are known ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Otosclerosis is an ear disease that can cause hearing loss over time. The bones in the middle ear de...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Although the cause of otosclerosis isn't fully known, you most likely did not get otosclerosis from ...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Otosclerosis

Your ears convert sound waves into electrical impulses and send them to the brain via your nerves, and you interpret these impulses as sound. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth interferes with the normal functioning of structures in your ear, which disrupts with the path of sound waves or nerve impulses. This can cause you to lose your hearing, sometimes severely. The type of hearing loss we have depends on what ear structure(s) are affected. No one is sure what causes otosclerosis, but it tends to run in families, and white, middle-age women are most often affected. Some say it is linked to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, whereas others associate it with viral infections (such as measles). If you experience even gradual hearing loss (for instance, if you can't hear someone whispering), dizziness, problems balancing, or a ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), talk to your ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor. You may have otosclerosis.

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