Otosclerosis
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abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear resulting in immobilization of stapes
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common cause of bilateral, gradual hearing loss in adults
- 70% hereditary
- twice as common in females vs. males
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more common in Caucasians
(virtually nonexistent in Asian, Black and American Indian populations)
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high frequency sounds are affected first (remember discussion of acoustic impedance)
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repaired surgically