Otosclerosis

Symptoms of otosclerosis include:

• gradual hearing loss in 1 or both ears, often over several years
• hearing ringing, buzzing or other noises in 1 or both ears (tinnitus)
• dizziness
• problems with your balance

Otosclerosis is a common cause of hearing loss in younger adults. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 30 to 50.

• you think your hearing is gradually getting worse
• you have tinnitus regularly or constantly
• your tinnitus is getting worse
• your tinnitus is bothering you, for example, it's affecting your sleep or concentration, or is making you feel anxious or depressed

If you have symptoms of otosclerosis, your GP will usually check inside your ears and may refer you to:

• an audiologist for hearing tests
• an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who will look inside your ears, and may arrange a CT scan

The 2 main treatment options for otosclerosis are hearing aids or surgery.

Hearing aids work by making the sounds around you louder. They can help you hear easier, but they will not stop your hearing from getting worse.

You may also be offered surgery to remove one of the small bones (the stapes) in your affected ear or ears. If your stapes is removed, it will be replaced by a plastic or metal implant. Surgery is usually very successful at improving hearing.

You will usually be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) who will help you decide which treatment may be best for you.

Otosclerosis happens when a tiny bone inside your ear, called the stapes, joins (fuses) with other parts of the ear and stops you being able to hear properly.

It's not known why otosclerosis happens, but it may be passed on in families. You are more likely to get otosclerosis if a close relative has it.

Symptoms of otosclerosis can affect 1 or both ears and include a gradual loss of hearing, ringing or other noises in the ears, and dizziness.

Tests for otosclerosis include checking inside the ears and getting a hearing test. You may be referred to a specialist ear, nose and throat doctor.

Treatments for hearing loss caused by otosclerosis include getting a hearing aid, or having surgery to remove 1 of the small bones in the ear.