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Fusion of the ear bones - All Information

Definition of Fusion of the ear bones:

Fusion of the ear bones is the joining of the bones of the inner ear -- the incus, malleus, and stapes bones.

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Fusion may be caused by:

  • Birth (congenital) defect
  • Infection
  • Injury

Symptoms:

Fusion of the bones leads to hearing loss, because the bones are not moving and vibrating in reaction to sound waves.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/3/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Torres AI, Backous DD. Clinical assessment and surgical treatment of conductive hearing loss. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 143.

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