What type of hearing loss is caused by otosclerosis?

Otosclerosis primarily leads to conductive hearing loss. This condition involves the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, particularly affecting the stapes bone, which is essential for the conduction of sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. When the stapes becomes fixed and unable to vibrate efficiently, it hinders the transmission of sound, resulting in a reduction of loudness and clarity of sound perceived by the individual.

This explanation highlights the specific mechanism of otosclerosis contributing to conductive hearing loss, which contrasts with other types of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss, for example, involves issues with the inner ear or auditory nerve, while mixed hearing loss entails both conductive and sensorineural components. Central auditory processing disorder relates to difficulties in processing auditory information in the brain rather than issues in the transmission of sound.