What is the result of otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis is a condition that affects the bones of the middle ear, particularly the stapes, which is one of the three small bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth around the stapes occurs, which can immobilize the bone and impede its ability to transmit sound.

This impairment specifically leads to conductive hearing loss, which is characterized by a reduction in the transmission of sound waves through the outer and middle ear. This contrasts with other types of hearing loss, such as sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Increased sensitivity to sound, complete deafness, and tinnitus are not direct results of otosclerosis itself, although individuals with this condition may experience related symptoms to varying degrees. However, the primary consequence of the abnormal bone growth in otosclerosis is the conductive hearing loss that arises from the stapes not moving properly to conduct sound efficiently. Thus, the correct answer highlights the primary clinical outcome associated with otosclerosis.