The hearing loss may remain mild but commonly it gradually becomes worse. Hearing loss is the main symptom of otosclerosis. Possible effect of low fluoride levels.It is not clear why this happens but it is likely to be caused by a combination of various factors: Otosclerosis happens because there is abnormal bone formation in one of the tiny bones in the middle ear. However, what is known is that otosclerosis is not caused or worsened by listening to loud music or working in a loud environment. Nobody actually knows why otosclerosis happens. Pregnancy is not a cause but may make the condition worse, so symptoms are commonly first noticed during pregnancy.Women are affected twice as often as men.It usually first develops between the ages of 15-35 years but sometimes develops in younger children.Otosclerosis affects about 1 or 2 in 100 people in the UK. Usually both ears are affected in otosclerosis but sometimes only one ear is affected. It is caused by a problem with the tiny bones (ossicles) which transmit vibrations through the middle ear so we can hear sound. The incus is often visible, but normal differences in anatomy can hide this bone, too.Īll three bones of the middle ear are located in the posterior superior section of the tympanic membrane.Otosclerosis is a common cause of hearing loss. The malleus is almost always visible except in cases of distorted anatomy such as from acute otitis media. The stapes connects the incus to the oval window of the inner ear, allowing the mechanical energy of the tympanic membrane to be communicated to the fluid in the inner ear. It’s often not possible to see the stapes as it is the deepest bone in the middle ear space. Notable in this image is the ability to see all three bones of the middle ear through the transparent tympanic membrane the malleus, incus, and stapes. This is a beautiful example of a normal and healthy ear. Malleus, Incus and Stapes (Hammer, Anvil and Stirrup) As the tympanic membrane vibrates from sound waves, the malleus converts this vibration into a rotary motion at the head (not visible) that is connected to the incus and then to the stapes. The malleus is attached to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The short process is often the last portion of the malleus that is discernable in cases of infection as in this example. The portions of the malleus that are visible on otoscopic examination include the umbo, manubrium, and the short process. This allows you to determine that this is the left ear. The malleus is also an anatomical compass in that it “points” to the face. The malleus is the most prominent landmark visible in the middle ear space. The malleus (commonly called the “hammer”) is the first bone in the chain of three that translate movement of the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The bones (ossicles) of the middle ear seen through the tympanic membrane (ear drum)

The bones of the middle ear are seen by the Wispr digital otoscope through a partially transparent tympanic membrane (ear drum) The reason that they can be seen is because the ear drum is somewhat transparent. When you view the bones using an otosocpe, you are actually viewing them in the “middle ear.” This is the space behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This chain of bones is an elegant example of natures bioengineering. The more common names are hammer, anvil and stirrup. The formal name of the three bones are malleus, incus and stapes. There are three small bones (ossicles) that transfer the movement of the tympanic membrane (ear drum) caused by sound waves to the inner ear.

Hammer anvil ear