Overview
Bone growth stiffens one of the tiny ear bones, so sound doesn't pass well.
It often runs in families and can worsen in pregnancy.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Slowly worsening hearing
- Trouble hearing
Less common
- Ringing
Look up a symptom: Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears · Trouble hearing
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden hearing loss.
See a doctor soonHearing loss.
Causes
Bone growth.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Family history
- Women
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Hearing test:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Hearing aids
- Use hearing aids
Prevention
To lower your risk or prevent problems:
- None proven
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Women: More common.
- Women 15 to 45: Most common.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Surgery or hearing aids restore hearing for most.
Surgery helps most.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.