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Otosclerosis Treatment

Otosclerosis is a condition in which the bones of the middle and inner ear grow abnormally, which leads to hearing loss. Depending on which bones are involved and what the abnormality is, the hearing loss may be severe. The cause of otosclerosis remains unknown, but it does tend to be hereditary. A person with one parent with the condition has a 25 percent chance of developing the condition. The people most at risk are white, middle-aged women.

  1. Surgery

    • Many people with otosclerosis opt to undergo a surgical procedure called a stapedectomy to correct the problem and restore hearing. In a stapedectomy, a surgeon will remove a bone called the stapes, which is typically involved in the bone abnormality, and replace it with a prosthetic device. This allows sound waves to pass normally into the inner ear, restoring hearing. In rare cases, undergoing a stapedectomy may actually worsen hearing loss, so it is important to discuss all the pros and cons with a doctor.

    Hearing Aids

    • Hearing aids are another treatment option for people with otosclerosis. Most people with the condition who opt for using a hearing aid will again be able to hear normally. Another type of hearing aid, a cochlear implant, is also sometimes used to treat people with otosclerosis. Because of damage to the inner ear, cochlear implants can be more difficult to position properly in otosclerosis patients, but most patients will have their hearing restored to levels similar to before they developed the condition.

    No Treatment

    • In mild cases of otosclerosis, patients may opt not to pursue any treatment options. Treatment is not required for otosclerosis, so some patients may choose to simply alter their lifestyle to make accommodations for their hearing loss. When people opt not to pursue treatment, most doctors will suggest they get their hearing retested at least once a year to see if the hearing loss is worsening. Some patients who initially opt not to pursue treatment may later decide to undergo surgery or utilize a hearing aid if the otosclerosis worsens, causing more hearing loss.

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