What disorder prevents the stapes from vibrating normally, causing hearing loss?

• A. Otitis media
• B. Deafness
• C. Otosclerosis
• D. Meniere disease

Answer: (C)

Stapes fixation interrupts the mechanical chain that carries sound from the middle ear to the inner ear. In otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth around the stapes footplate locks it in place, so it can’t vibrate in response to sound waves. Because the stapes can’t move, fewer vibrations reach the oval window and the cochlea, leading to conductive hearing loss. This is different from otitis media, where hearing loss comes from fluid or membrane problems in the middle ear; Meniere disease, which involves inner-ear fluid imbalance, causes sensorineural loss with vertigo; and “deafness” is a broad term that doesn’t specify the mechanical issue. Treatment often involves surgically removing or bypassing the immobilized stapes to restore movement at the oval window.