This illness initially does not show any clear symptoms; in fact, it takes about 5 to 10 years to become noticeable, by which time it may be too late to treat. If you realize that you do not always understand what is said to you, or you understand only half of it, or you do not understand at all, it means that you are suffering from hearing loss.
In the beginning, you may just think you did not pay enough attention, but if you have to deal with this problem a lot and need to ask people to talk louder, you should see a specialist.
Listening is one of the most important senses, as it plays a great role in orientation. The underlying cause of hearing loss can be many reasons, including various infections, inflammatory diseases, traumas, tumors, poisonings or genetic problems.
Otosclerosis is a disease of the bone of the inner ear. It occurs in areas where embryonic cartilage tissue has been preserved, and it involves an abnormal growth of bone near the middle ear.
For the time being, the cause of this disorder is unknown. It is most likely to occur in women at any stage of life, but it is the most common during pregnancy, puberty and menopause.
The abnormality develops gradually, initially causing ringing of the ear, and then causing more and more hearing damage to the patient. In about 15 years even complete hearing loss may occur.