What Is Otosclerosis?
Otosclerosis is a condition where abnormal bone growth develops around the tiny bones in the middle ear—especially the stapes—causing conductive hearing loss. When the stapes bone can no longer move freely, sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear. Fortunately, treatment is highly effective in most cases.
Who Is at Risk?
Roughly 60% of otosclerosis cases are hereditary. While it can affect people of all backgrounds, it is most common among Caucasian adults between the ages of 20 and 45. Women are twice as likely to be affected and may experience faster hearing loss during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
