Otosclerosis involves an abnormal growth of bone which occurs in the middle ear. Otosclerosis most often manifests on the last bone of the inner ear, the stapes. Depending on which structures are involved, this disease can cause varying symptoms. The most common is hearing loss. Balance issues and tennitis are also often noted. In order to understand exactly what happens with otosclerosis, we must first understand how our hearing works. Our ears take sound waves and transfer them into electrical signals which in turn cause different nerve impulses. These two nerves, the vestibulocochlear nerve and the facial nerve, take these impulses and send them to our brains, which then gives us the impression of sound. Specific parts of our inner ear react to specific sounds which allow us to hear differing tones and pitches. When otosclerosis occurs, the ossicles are unable to vibrate correctly and transmit correct impulses to our brain. This is the specific reason why one experiences difficulty in hearing. Most people who have otosclerosis have the most difficulty in hearing low pitches and whispers. Otosclerotic hearing loss is most often experienced gradually over time. There is no known cause of otosclerosis, although there is a genetic predisposition to the disease. There is a higher chance of otosclerosis in white, middle-aged women, and possibly an increase during pregnancy or with a history of measles. There are a few options for patients who suffer from otosclerosis. If the symptoms are mild, many people are able to live fully with the disease. Others may choose to wear a hearing aid or get a cochlear implant, which does not get rid of the hearing loss but can improve it. Surgery can also be performed. This involves removal of the stapes and replacing it with a prosthetic. This surgery is known as a stapedectomy. Although no proof exists as to its effectiveness, some patients find relief by taking fluoride tablets, a type of dietary supplement. This is thought to cause the ossicles to harden more quickly and cause less symptoms as the disease progresses. This practice is not accepted by most health care professionals due to its unproven effects.

All information for this blog and any addition information on otosclerosis can be found at:
http://www.american-hearing.org/disorders/hearing/otosclerosis.html
www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otosclerosis.asp