Otosclerosis is a type of conductive hearing loss caused by an issue with the stapes — the tiny middle ear bone. The stapes is more commonly referred to as the stirrup of the ear. This bone is responsible for vibrating and enabling your ability to hear.
In otosclerosis, the stapes can become stuck, limiting its ability to move or vibrate. When this happens, it often leads to some extent of hearing impairment.
Otosclerosis Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Are you suffering from partial hearing loss due to otosclerosis? Otosclerosis is a condition caused by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that results in hearing impairment.
Happy Ears Hearing Center can diagnose and treat your otosclerosis, helping restore your hearing. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of otosclerosis below.
What Causes Otosclerosis?
Otosclerosis is caused by specific problems with the stirrup, or stapes, bone. This small bone within the middle ear vibrates and enables proper hearing. When there is excessive bone growth, the stapes can become stuck. It is then unable to function, restricting your ability to hear.
Otosclerosis is most common in young people; it is frequently diagnosed in the teenage years. Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing otosclerosis conductive hearing loss. These include a family history of otosclerosis, damage or trauma to the middle ear, and pregnancy.
Symptoms of Otosclerosis
The signs and symptoms of otosclerosis may be subtle at first, but they can continue to progress in severity if left untreated. The following are some of the most common otosclerosis symptoms:
- Ringing in one or both ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing better in noisy places (paracusis)
- Loss of hearing
- Dizziness or vertigo
Otosclerosis symptoms overlap with many other conditions that cause hearing loss. This makes diagnosing the cause of your hearing loss essential for proper treatment. The audiologists at Happy Ears Hearing Center can use a number of diagnostic tools to confirm that you are suffering from otosclerosis conductive hearing loss.
Otosclerosis Treatment
Have you been diagnosed with otosclerosis? The team at Happy Ears Hearing Center provides various treatment options to resolve your hearing loss and restore your quality of life. Below are some of the most commonly used treatments for otosclerosis conductive hearing loss.
Hearing Aids
The most common treatment for otosclerosis is surgery or hearing aids. Hearing aids are electronic medical devices that are worn inside the ear. These tiny devices amplify sounds and make it easier for the patient to hear. Hearing aids are removable and should be worn during all waking hours of the day.
Happy Ears Hearing Center carries a large selection of hearing aid brands to give every patient an array of options. We offer the following brands and more:
- ReSound
- Phonak
- Lyric
- Oticon
- Starkey
- Signia
- Widex
To learn more about these hearing aid brands and find out which type is the best fit for you, schedule an appointment with Happy Ears Hearing Center audiologists today.
Stapedectomy
Another otosclerosis treatment is a procedure called a stapedectomy. This is a surgical treatment that involves removing part or all of the stapes to allow for clearer hearing.
For many patients, removing just the excess bone tissue makes a significant difference in their hearing impairment. A stapedectomy is often reserved for patients experiencing severe symptoms and unable to see results with hearing aids.
Get Tested Today
If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of otosclerosis conductive hearing loss, schedule an appointment to be evaluated today.
Early diagnosis and treatment will make a significant difference in restoring your hearing. The Happy Ears Hearing Center team will assess your symptoms and begin the appropriate treatment for otosclerosis right away.
Otosclerosis Treatment at Happy Ears Hearing Center
Are you struggling with otosclerosis symptoms? Happy Ears Hearing Center can diagnose and treat your condition to restore hearing.
Visit our hearing center locations in Gilbert, Surprise, and Peoria, Arizona. Our experts will assess your symptoms and review your medical history to find the root cause of your hearing loss and provide the best treatment options possible. To learn more about our hearing treatments, schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists today.