What Did You Say? A Possible Cause for Hearing Loss

Tuesday, December 31, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Noticing that your hearing isn't what it used to be? A possible cause is otosclerosis (o-to-skluh-RO-sis) — an abnormal growth of bony tissue in the middle ear that results in hearing loss.

The January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter explains that this condition is thought to be genetic and typically surfaces in early adulthood. Most often, it affects both ears.

The disease involves rapid bone rebuilding in the tiny bones of the middle ear. As the disease progresses, the bones become denser than normal. The abnormal bony tissue growth usually freezes the stapes, one of three tiny bones in the middle ear. As a result, sound waves can't reach the inner ear.

If you have otosclerosis, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting, hearing aids or surgery. Treatments generally are effective. Rarely does ostosclerosis result in complete hearing loss.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page, monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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