As a result, the stapes can not vibrate, thereby preventing the transmission of sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. In some persons with otosclerosis, there is a family history of deafness. Otosclerosis usually affects one ear before the other, but eventually both ears become affected. The major symptom is progressive deafness. Progression of the symptoms may become worse during pregnancy.
Surgery is usually the most effective treatment.
Fenestration, which is an operation to make an artificial opening into the inner ear, has largely been replaced by stapedectomy, in which the fixed stapes bone is replaced. This operation usually restores normal hearing.