{"id":230,"date":"2019-06-19T20:43:28","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T20:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blueridge-ent.fm1.dev\/ear\/otosclerosis\/"},"modified":"2021-09-14T20:00:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T00:00:53","slug":"otosclerosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blueridge-ent.com\/ear\/otosclerosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Otosclerosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Otosclerosis is an abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear that causes hearing loss<\/a>. It typically begins in the early 20s, and is the leading cause of middle ear hearing loss in young adults.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Otosclerosis? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The exact cause of otosclerosis is not known, but evidence suggests a genetic link passed down from parent to child. Middle-aged Caucasian women are most at risk, and\u00a0hormonal changes seem to\u00a0be a contributing factor including\u00a0pregnancy\u00a0and menopause. This bone growth usually occurs around the stapes bone in the middle ear<\/a>, preventing it from moving freely, essential to proper hearing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of\nOtosclerosis?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gradually worsening hearing loss is the primary symptom of otosclerosis. It may begin with an inability to hear low-pitched sounds or whispers. Other symptoms may include vertigo or dizziness<\/a> and tinnitus<\/a> (ringing in the ears).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How is Otosclerosis Treated?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of otosclerosis are like those\nof other conditions, so a thorough examination by an otolaryngologist is essential\nin ruling out other problems and diagnosing the disease. A hearing test will\nusually show signs of conductive hearing loss in the lower frequency tones, a\nhallmark of otosclerosis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mild cases of otosclerosis can be\ncorrected with a hearing aid designed to amplify sounds. Orally ingested sodium\nfluoride has been shown to slow the progression of the disease, and may be an\noption.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In more advanced cases, a surgical procedure known as a stapedectomy<\/a> is often performed. In this surgery, part or all of the affected stapes bone is removed and replaced with a prosthetic device that enables the bones of the middle ear to resume movement, allowing sound waves to reach the inner ear, improving or restoring hearing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are inherent risks in any\nsurgery, but left untreated, otosclerosis will only get worse. Speak to your\ndoctor about the best treatment options for your hearing loss.  <\/p>\n\n\n

Call Blue Ridge ENT<\/span> at (828) 264-4545<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Otosclerosis is an abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear that causes hearing loss. It typically begins in the early 20s, and is the leading cause of middle ear hearing loss in young adults.\u00a0\u00a0 What Causes Otosclerosis?  The exact cause of otosclerosis is not known, but evidence suggests a genetic link passed down from parent to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":254,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=none] | Otosclerosis typically affects the hearing of young adults and is treatable with hearing aids or surgery. Schedule a hearing test now.","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"