Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is where there is abnormal bone growth around the ossicles (mostly the stapes). This can happen in families (it often skips generations) but it can also happen in isolation. The condition leads to conductive hearing loss that starts in most cases after the age of 20, with women being affected more. A hearing test will be able to assist with the diagnosis. The treatment can consist of hearing aids or surgery called a stapedotomy or stapedectomy.