What Causes Otosclerosis

The exact cause of otosclerosis is unknown. It may be passed down through families. People who have otosclerosis have an abnormal extension of sponge-like bone growing in the middle ear cavity. This growth prevents the ear bones from vibrating in response to sound waves.

How does otosclerosis affect the ear?

The middle ear is the area behind the ear drum and it contains tiny bones that amplify sound waves. Otosclerosis is characterised by the abnormal formation of bone within the middle ear that stops these tiny bones from vibrating. This causes hearing loss because the sound waves can’t reach the inner ear.

Is otosclerosis reversible?

Otosclerosis is a disease that causes progressive hearing loss and affects the bone of middle and inner ear. It is often surgically reversible.