What is the primary effect of otosclerosis on hearing?

The primary effect of otosclerosis on hearing is a conductive hearing loss, which can range significantly in severity, often falling around 60-65 dB. Otosclerosis is characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that affects the stapes bone, which is essential for the proper transmission of sound vibrations from the middle ear to the inner ear. This abnormal growth can fix the stapes, preventing it from moving freely, thereby disrupting the normal conduction of sound waves.

This type of hearing loss is distinguished from sensorineural hearing loss, which involves damage to the inner ear or auditory pathways. In the case of otosclerosis, the underlying issue is mechanical rather than neurological; hence, it does not lead to sensorineural hearing loss. Additionally, otosclerosis does not typically cause severe pain in the ear, nor is it primarily associated with children during growth spurts, as it can affect individuals of various ages. The most notable and direct consequence of otosclerosis is the conductive hearing loss resulting from the impairment of sound transmission in the middle ear.