Understanding Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a relatively rare condition that can affect hearing to varying degrees. About 10% of Caucasians in the US are estimated to have this disorder, which is rarer in other populations. The majority of people with this condition will not develop symptoms sufficient for a diagnosis, but some may experience significant hearing loss.

If you have been struggling with hearing impairment caused by otosclerosis, you need thorough information about your hearing options. Many people with this problem find that the most effective and easiest solution is the use of a high quality hearing aid. To learn more about current hearing aid technology and how it can help you, call HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.

Symptoms of Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a genetic condition that affects the ossicles, the small bones of the middle ear that play a vital role in hearing. The most commonly affected bone is the stapes, or stirrup-shaped bone that connects the other ossicles to the eardrum. Otosclerosis can cause a small bony mass to grow between the stapes and the other ossicles, preventing them from moving the way they should.

The symptoms of otosclerosis usually begin between the ages of 10 and 30, and can include:

• Dizziness or vertigo
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Progressive hearing loss

These symptoms can vary widely from one person to the next. Some people never experience significant hearing loss, while others require a kind of surgery called a stapedectomy, in which the stapes is replaced with a small prosthetic device. People in between these extremes may benefit from hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Contact a Hearing Aid Specialist

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss due to otosclerosis, finding the right hearing aid can make a huge difference in your life. To learn about the options available to you, contact a hearing aid consultant from HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.