Otosclerosis is a condition that limits the movement of the smallest hearing bone - the stapes. Since the role of this tiny bone is to pass on sound vibrations to the inner ear, when it becomes stiff, the amount of sound that gets to the inner ear is reduced, and hearing loss is noticed.

Between 0.1-2% of the caucasian population are estimated to have otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is one of the commonest causes of hearing loss in young adults.

4 out of every 10 people with otosclerosis inherited this condition from your parents. We are not sure why some people whose family have no hearing problems develop otosclerosis.

Over time your hearing will slowly get worse and nearly two thirds of people of people with otosclerosis will eventually be affected in both ears.

If you are female, puberty and pregnancy may speed up your hearing loss.

Yes. Hearing aids and stapes surgery are both good treatment options for otosclerosis.