The stapes, or stirrup bone, is located in the middle ear. This bone normally vibrates as sound waves strike the eardrum. In otosclerosis, the stapes bone becomes fixed and does not vibrate normally. This lack of normal vibration leads to a conductive hearing loss. This hearing loss can be corrected surgically. The surgery is known as a stapedectomy. In the surgery, a platinum or stainless steel piston is used to bypass that portion of the stapes that is not working correctly. This surgery is extremely effective and is done on an outpatient basis. Hearing aids are also an option in relieving the perceived hearing loss in otosclerosis. Otosclerosis can sometimes worsen in pregnancy and can sometimes run in families. |