Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a condition in which abnormal bone remodeling occurs in the middle or inner ear, most commonly affecting the stapes, the smallest of the three ossicles. As abnormal bone grows around the base of the stapes (the footplate), it becomes fixed in place and can no longer vibrate freely. This restricts the transmission of sound from the eardrum to the inner ear, resulting in a progressive conductive hearing loss.

In many cases, the inner ear is also affected as the condition progresses, leading to a sensorineural or mixed component. Otosclerosis tends to run in families and is more common in women. It often becomes noticeable during early adulthood. Pregnancy can accelerate progression in some individuals. Diagnosis involves audiological testing and tympanometry.

Treatment options include hearing aids and surgical intervention called stapedectomy, in which the fixed stapes is replaced with a prosthesis. In Canada, stapedectomy is performed by an otolaryngologist at surgical centres.