Otosclerosis is the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear. This makes it hard for structures in the ear to work as they should. It can lead to hearing loss.
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The cause is not clear, but genetics may play a role.
This problem is more common in women. It is also more common in people who are White.
Other things that may raise the risk are:
At first, a person may have problems hearing low-pitched sounds or whispers. Hearing loss may worsen. In time, other problems may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the ears. Your hearing will be tested.
Images may be taken of the ears. This can be done with:
People who have mild symptoms may be monitored for any changes.
The goal of treatment in others is to improve hearing. Choices are:
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. Choices are:
The risk of this problem may be lowered by getting the measles vaccine.
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entcanada.org
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca
Juliano AF, Ginat DT, et al. Imaging Review of the Temporal Bone: Part II. Traumatic, Postoperative, and Noninflammatory Nonneoplastic Conditions. Radiology. 2015 Sep;276(3):655-672.
Otosclerosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/otosclerosis. Accessed March 12, 2021.
Otosclerosis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website. Available at: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/otosclerosis.aspx. Accessed March 12, 2021.
What you should know about otosclerosis. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1316. Accessed March 12, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD