What is the clinical term for the condition affecting hearing ability due to the arthritis of small ear bones?

The condition affecting hearing ability due to the arthritis of small ear bones is best described as otosclerosis. This condition specifically involves abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, particularly around the stapes bone, which is one of the three tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. When this bone becomes immobilized due to the overgrowth, it leads to conductive hearing loss, making it difficult for sound to pass effectively to the inner ear.

Otosclerosis is commonly linked to genetic factors and can lead to progressive hearing loss if not treated. Treatment options may include hearing aids or surgical intervention to restore hearing. Understanding this condition is essential for recognizing how mechanical issues in the auditory system can impact hearing, differentiating it from other auditory disorders that involve different mechanisms.