Otosclerosis

There are many reasons you can experience hearing loss. Otosclerosis is one such condition.

Otosclerosis occurs when there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, causing the ear to no longer perform correctly. Doctors are not sure why this happens, but it could be related to a previous infection, stress fractures near the inner ear or immune disorders. There is also a link to genetics, as otosclerosis tends to run in families.

Hearing loss is the most common symptom of otosclerosis, and it usually starts in one ear and moves to the other. Some people notice there’s a problem when they can’t hear low-pitched sounds or a whisper. Dizziness and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) have also been reported by people with otosclerosis.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Otosclerosis

Your doctor will want to know about your family history of hearing loss and will also want to rule out any other possible causes. He or she may recommend hearing tests or even a CT scan of the bones in your ear.

When hearing loss associated with otosclerosis starts to interfere with your everyday life, your doctor may prescribe hearing aids. If your hearing loss is too severe, your doctor may recommend otosclerosis surgery. During a procedure called a stapedectomy, a surgeon inserts a device into your middle ear to bypass the abnormal bone and allow sound waves to pass through.

We understand the thought of losing your hearing can be frightening. But the team of specialists and doctors at Mercy Clinic know the best ways to diagnose and treat otosclerosis. We will work with you to find an otosclerosis treatment plan to help restore your hearing and get you back to doing all the things you love.