What is Otosclerosis?

Q: What is the best hearing aid model for me?

In general, any audiologist will always recommend to you the hearing aid model that best suits your needs . Here is a useful checklist to make sure that is the case. Audiologist's level of knowledge: The audiologist you have seen will hopefully have a wide knowledge of all available hearing aids ; however, some will only be familiar with a small number of brands and, therefore, may not really be in a position to know which model is the best for you. It is OK to challenge their recommendation and ask them to justify why this particular brand is the one for you. Do research: Read about the hearing aid that was recommended. Does it seem like it will suit your lifestyle? Does it have more or fewer features than you need? Be aware of sales targets: Many high street retailers have specific tie-ins to a particular manufacturer/brand. The hearing aid they have suggested may still be the correct one for you, but do your research so that you know why they might have recommended it. You can read our best hearing aids of this year here

Q: What are the benefits of rechargeable hearing aids?

For most people, the main benefit of a rechargeable hearing aid is simple convenience. We are used to plugging in our phones and other devices overnight for them to charge up. Here are some other pros and cons: For anybody with poor dexterity or issues with their fingers, having a rechargeable aid makes a huge difference, as normal hearing aid batteries are quite small and some people find them fiddly to change. One downside is that if you forget to charge your hearing aid , then it is a problem that can't be instantly fixed. For most, a 30-minute charge will get you at least two or three hours of hearing, but if you are the type of person who is likely to forget to plug them in regularly, then you're probably better off with standard batteries. Rechargeable aids are also a little bit bigger and are only available in Behind-the-Ear models. Finally, just like with a mobile phone, the amount of charge you get on day one is not going to be the same as you get a few years down the line. Be sure to ask what the policy is with the manufacturer's warranty when it comes to replacing the battery.

Q: Are Behind-the-Ear hearing aids better than In-the-Ear hearing aids?

For most people, the answer is yes. But it's never that simple. The majority of hearing problems affect the high frequencies a lot more than the low ones. Therefore, open fitting hearing aids sound a lot more natural and ones that block your ears up can make your own voice sound like you are talking with your head in a bucket. Therefore, in-ear aids tend to be less natural. However, the true answer is we can't tell until we have had a look in your ears to assess the size of your ear canal, and until we have tested your hearing to see which frequencies are being affected. People with wider ear canals tend to have more flexibility, also there are open fitting modular CIC hearing aids now that do not block your ears. There is also the age-old rule to consider, that a hearing aid will not help you if it's sat in the drawer gathering dust. If the only hearing aid you would be happy wearing is one that people can't see, then that's what you should get. Most people can adapt to any type of hearing aid , as long as they know what to expect. Have an honest conversation with your audiologist as to what your needs are.

Q: What are channels, and how many do I need?

Generally speaking, six or more. Unless it's none at all. The number of channels a hearing aid has is often a simplistic way an audiologist will use to explain why one hearing aid is better than another, but channels are complex, and it is really not that straightforward. Here are some reasons why: Hearing aids amplify sounds of different frequencies by different amounts. Most people have lost more high frequencies than low, and therefore need more amplification in the high frequencies . The range of sounds you hear is split into frequency bands or channels, and the hearing aids are set to provide the right amount of hearing at each frequency level. Less than six channels, and this cannot be done with much accuracy, so six is the magic number. However, a six-channel aid is typically very basic with few other features and is suitable only for hearing a single speaker in a quiet room. The number of channels is not what you should be looking at; it's more the rest of the technology that comes with them. As a final note, different manufacturers have different approaches. One method is not necessarily better than any other. For example, some manufacturers have as many as 64 channels in their top aids. Most tend to have between 17 and 20. One manufacturer has no channels at all.

Q: What's covered in a manufacturer's warranty?

Manufacturer's warranties typically last between 2-5 years, depending on the brand and model, and cover defects in materials and workmanship. This includes repairs for component failures, electronic malfunctions, and manufacturing defects, but excludes damage from misuse, accidents, or normal wear. Most manufacturers also include loss and damage insurance for the first year. We handle all warranty claims on your behalf, liaising with manufacturers and ensuring you get replacement devices quickly when needed. This comprehensive warranty coverage, combined with our lifetime aftercare, gives you complete peace of mind. Find out more about our warranty cover here

Q: How much does the hearing test cost?

Our hearing tests are completely free, whether at our clinics or in your home . Unlike other providers who charge £30-£100 for home visits , we believe hearing healthcare should be accessible without financial barriers. Our comprehensive assessments include examination by an HCPC-registered audiologist , audiogram results, and personalised recommendations. All testing, future adjustments, and ongoing support are included at no extra cost. While NHS tests are also free, typical 6-week waiting periods often lead people to seek immediate private testing. We provide prompt, professional assessments that fit your schedule and budget.

Q: Do you offer home visits, and are they included in the price?

Yes, we offer completely free home visits throughout the UK, and this service is included in our prices with no additional charges. Home visits are particularly valuable for people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those who simply prefer the comfort and convenience of their own environment. Our audiologists can conduct full hearing tests, fit hearing aids, and provide ongoing support in your home. This service sets us apart from many providers who either don't offer home visits or charge extra for them.

Q: Why are your hearing aids cheaper than what I'd pay on the high street?

We can offer prices up to 40% lower than high street retailers because of our business model. As a network of 200+ independent audiologists , we don't have the massive overheads of large retail chains - no expensive high street premises, no sales targets pushing audiologists to sell the most expensive options, and no costly marketing campaigns. However, we maintain the same buying power as the big chains because we purchase on behalf of our entire nationwide network. This means you get access to the same premium hearing aids with professional service, but at genuinely competitive prices.

Q: How long do I have to try the hearing aids before committing to keep them?

We offer a comprehensive 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you twice the industry standard time to properly assess whether your hearing aids are right for you. This extended period recognises that adjusting to hearing aids takes time, and your brain needs several weeks to adapt to the amplified sounds. Unlike many providers who offer just 30 days, we believe 60 days gives you the confidence to test your hearing aids in all the situations that matter to you - from quiet conversations at home to busy restaurants and outdoor activities.

Q: Can I really buy hearing aids online without visiting a clinic first? Why can't I do this with your company?

While some companies do sell hearing aids online without professional involvement, we don't offer this service because we genuinely believe it's not in your best interests. Hearing aids aren't like buying glasses online - they require professional assessment, precise programming to your specific hearing loss pattern, and proper fitting to work effectively. Through our network of over 200 qualified independent audiologists across the UK, we ensure you receive a proper hearing test, expert guidance on the right device for your needs, and professional fitting. This approach means you're far more likely to be satisfied with your hearing aids and actually use them regularly.

What is Otosclerosis?

How can this middle ear condition cause hearing loss?

Last Hearing Aid UK Update: 23/07/2026

Overview

If you've been told you might have otosclerosis, here's what that actually means: abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, usually around a tiny bone called the stapes, is gradually getting in the way of your hearing. The good news is it's a well-understood condition, and hearing aids or surgery can usually help.

We'll walk through what's happening, who's more likely to get it, and what treatment tends to look like.

What actually happens?

Otosclerosis results in hearing loss, commonly progressive, as the growth stops the small bone (known as the stapes) from vibrating. This vibration allows us to hear.

These tiny bones need to be able to move freely for you to hear properly. When you have otosclerosis, the smallest of these, the stapes, hardens to the surrounding environment and cannot vibrate. It’s similar to a roadblock; the energy just stops at that moment and is unable to make the journey to the inner ear, causing loss of hearing.

When the name of this ear condition is broken down, “oto” means ear, and “sclerosis” means hardening. Therefore, Otosclerosis means hardening of the ear. This condition simply hinders sound transmission, leading to symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or a combination.

Otosclerosis is a type of conductive hearing loss

As the ear loses this ability to transmit sound, people often complain of low-frequency hearing loss first. This means that you may struggle with all those low-pitched sounds, such as car engines and male voices.

Although otosclerosis is a form of conductive hearing loss, it is uncommonly discovered in people who develop hearing loss, and quite difficult to know why the condition develops. Therefore, it is a condition that is generally delayed, as in reality, most conductive hearing loss causes are middle ear fluid problems, a perforated eardrum, and excessive earwax.

This is also why most people visit their GP, audiologist, or ENT department multiple times to receive a correct diagnosis, as often this condition can be misdiagnosed.

Who usually gets it?

However, there are a few known risks linked to otosclerosis, which are pregnancy, genetics, race, gender, and age, particularly in white women and young adults.

While a familial link is often associated with otosclerosis, it's not exclusive, as some individuals develop it without a family history. Typically emerging in people's late 20s or 30s, it can affect younger people too.

Otosclerosis is usually more prevalent in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause, as the condition's exacerbation may be linked to heightened oestrogen levels. Concerned individuals should consult their doctor, who may recommend hearing tests to monitor any potential issues.

Can you prevent it?

There are no known preventions, like other causes of hearing loss, such as noise-induced hearing loss, due to exposure to loud sounds, that you can implement steps to reduce the risks. There is also a lot more access to resources on the prevention and risk management of other causes of hearing loss.

The reality is that it is not known why otosclerosis happens, other than it might be genetic. So if a relative has had it before, you are at higher risk of getting the condition too.

What are the main symptoms?

Otosclerosis tends to bring on a few key symptoms:

Gradual hearing loss in one or both ears, often creeping up over several years
Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in one or both ears, also known as tinnitus
Dizziness
Balance problems

It's actually one of the more common causes of hearing loss in younger adults, with symptoms usually starting somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50.

Common treatments

When it comes to treating otosclerosis, there are really two main routes: hearing aids or surgery. Hearing aids work by making sounds louder, which can make day-to-day hearing much easier. They won't stop the condition itself from progressing, but they can help you manage it well in the meantime.

Surgery is also an option. It involves removing the affected stapes bone and replacing it with a small plastic or metal implant, so sound can travel through properly again. It tends to be a successful procedure for improving hearing, though as with any surgery, it's worth talking through the risks with your specialist.

You'll usually be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, who can talk you through both options and help you decide what's right for you.

"Otosclerosis is one of those conditions where hearing aids can make a real difference before anyone even considers surgery. The important thing is getting a proper diagnosis first, since conductive hearing loss can have several different causes, and what works well for one won't necessarily suit another. This is always something to work through with your GP or ENT specialist; we come in once that picture is clearer."

Paul Harrison, Audiology Expert & Founder, Hearing Aid UK

Seeking medical help

As mentioned earlier, otosclerosis is progressive, and if left untreated, it can worsen over time, limiting your ability to hear the sounds around you and reducing your quality of life. Therefore, ignoring the signs is not the best strategy for your future hearing health. If you are recognising some of the symptoms of otosclerosis, contact your GP for a diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with otosclerosis, your GP will be able to guide you through the next steps. This is often a referral to your local ENT department or audiologist, who will determine the best treatment for your level of hearing loss. With various treatment options available, doing nothing is not one.

How can your GP help?

If you are diagnosed with otosclerosis, and your hearing is affected, your GP might:

Refer you to an audiologist for a hearing test
Refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who will take a look inside your ears, and may arrange a CT scan

Conclusion

Otosclerosis can be an unsettling condition to be told you have, but it's also a well-understood one, with a clear path from GP referral through to diagnosis and, in most cases, effective treatment. Whether that ends up being hearing aids, monitoring, or surgery is something you'll work through with your GP, audiologist, or ENT specialist, but the earlier it's picked up, the more options you'll usually have.

If you've noticed gradual hearing loss, particularly with lower-pitched sounds or in noisy environments, it's worth having your hearing checked, whether otosclerosis turns out to be the cause or not.

Our HCPC-registered audiologists, part of a nationwide network of over 200 professionals across 93+ clinics, offer a completely free hearing test with no obligation, in a clinic near you or during a home visit if that's easier.

And because we're independent of every manufacturer, any advice you get is based on what's right for you, not what we're incentivised to sell. Call us on 0800 567 7621 or book your free hearing test today.

Key takeaways

✔️ Otosclerosis is a hardening of a tiny bone in your middle ear (the stapes), and it's what stops sound getting through to your inner ear the way it should.

✔️ Low, deep sounds usually go first. Some people also get tinnitus, a blocked feeling in the ear, or the odd dizzy spell alongside it.

✔️ It runs in families, and it's more common in white women, usually starting in their late twenties or thirties. Beyond that, nobody really knows why it happens, and there's no way to prevent it.

✔️ Start with your GP; they'll refer you on to an audiologist or ENT specialist from there.

✔️ Hearing aids are usually the first thing tried, and they help a lot of people. Surgery only really comes up if things get more serious.

✔️ Hearing changed and not sure why? Get it checked, otosclerosis or not. A free hearing test with one of our HCPC-registered audiologists costs nothing, and there's no pressure either way.

Whatever's behind your hearing changes, it's worth having them checked

Hearing changes can be hard to make sense of on your own. If you've noticed gradual hearing loss, particularly with lower sounds or in noisy places, it's worth getting checked, whether it turns out to be otosclerosis or something else.

Always see your local GP first. If your hearing has been affected and you receive a referral, we can help you.