What type of hearing loss is associated with otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis primarily leads to conductive hearing loss. This condition involves abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear, resulting in the stiffening of the stapes bone, which impedes the transmission of sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is characterized by a reduction in sound intensity reaching the inner ear, which can be caused by various factors that interfere with sound conduction. In the case of otosclerosis, the fixation of the stapes limits the effective movement of sound waves through the middle ear, leading to a classic presentation of conductive hearing impairment.

While otosclerosis may potentially lead to a mixed hearing loss if it progresses and affects the cochlea over time, the primary and most characteristic type of hearing loss associated with this condition at its onset is purely conductive. Therefore, recognizing that otosclerosis affects the mechanics of sound conduction is crucial for understanding the auditory challenges it presents.