Otosclerosis is an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that causes hearing loss.
Alternative Names
Otospongiosis; Hearing loss - otosclerosis
Causes
The exact cause of otosclerosis is unknown. It may be passed down through families.
People who have otosclerosis have an abnormal sponge-like bone growing in the middle ear. This growth prevents the ear bones from vibrating in response to sound waves. These vibrations are needed in order for you to hear.
Otosclerosis is the most common cause of middle ear hearing loss in young adults. It typically begins in early to mid-adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. The condition may affect one or both ears.
Risks for this condition include pregnancy and a family history of hearing loss. White people are more likely to develop this condition than people of other races.
