Otosclerosis
Is otosclerosis serious?
Otosclerosis can cause mild to severe hearing loss, but it very rarely causes total deafness.
Your hearing usually gets worsegradually over months or a few years and may continue to get worse if ignored and left untreated.
However, the hearing loss can normally be treated successfully with either hearing aids or surgery (read about treatments below). Hearing is improved or restored inaround 80-90% ofpeoplewho have surgery.
Very occasionally, otosclerosis can spread to the inner ear, resulting in a greater level of hearing loss that can't be improved with surgery.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about otosclerosis, including the symptoms, causes and treatments.
Symptoms of otosclerosis
Most people with otosclerosis noticehearing problems in their 20s or 30s. One or both ears can be affected. Symptoms of otosclerosis include: Hearing impairment that gets gradually worse over time
Is otosclerosis serious?
Otosclerosis can cause mild to severe hearing loss, but it very rarely causes total deafness. Your hearing usually gets worsegradually over months or a few years and may continue to get worse if igno
When toget medical advice
See your GP if you're worried about your hearing. Theywill ask about your symptoms, examine your ears, take your medical history and may do some simple hearing tests . If your GP suspects a problem
Treatments for otosclerosis
Otosclerosis can usually be treated successfully with either a hearing aid or surgery. If your hearing loss is very mild, you may not need any treatment at first. Hearing aids A hearing aid is an el
Causes of otosclerosis
The exact cause of otosclerosis is unclear and it's not known whether you can do anything to prevent it. Many cases seem to run in families and it's thought they may be the result ofinheriting a faul
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