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 electronic device that increases the volume of sound entering your ear so you can hear things more clearly.

The advantage of using a hearing aid is that, unlike surgery, it doesn't carry any risks. Modern hearing aids aresmall and discreet, and some can be worn inside your ear so they're not obvious.

You can talk to an audiologistabout the different types of hearing aid available and which may be best for you.

Surgery

Surgery is an option ifyou would prefer not to wear a hearing aid. The main operation used is called a stapedotomy or stapedectomy.

The operation can be done under either general anaesthetic (you're asleep) or local anaesthetic (you're awake but your ear is numbed). A cut is made inside your ear canal, or occasionally above or in front of your ear, to access the bones inside your ear.

Part of the stapes bone is removed and a plastic or metal implant is put into the ear totransmit sound from the remainingbones into the inner ear. You'll be able togo home the same day or the day after.

This is a delicate operation that's usually very successful. But as with all operations, it carries a small risk of complications, including:

• losing more or all of your hearing (in about 1 in 100 cases)
• altered senseof taste (usually temporary)
• new or worsened tinnitus
• vertigo (usually temporary)
• facial weakness (very rare)

You can discuss the risks and benefitsof both surgery and hearing aids with your surgeonto help youdecide which you would prefer.