
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a condition that affects the bones of the middle ear and can cause hearing loss. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth occurs in the middle ear, specifically in the stapes bone, which can limit its ability to vibrate and transmit sound to the inner ear. This can result in a gradual hearing loss that worsens over time.
The exact cause of otosclerosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in women and tends to run in families.