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In others the hearing loss quickly becomes worse. In some people the hearing loss stays mild for a number of years before getting worse. It usually affects both ears, but not always. The hearing loss may remain mild but commonly it gradually becomes worse. Hearing loss is the main symptom of otosclerosis. Possible effect of low fluoride levels.It is not clear why this happens but it is likely to be caused by a combination of various factors: Otosclerosis happens because there is abnormal bone formation in one of the tiny bones in the middle ear. However, what is known is that otosclerosis is not caused or worsened by listening to loud music or working in a loud environment. Nobody actually knows why otosclerosis happens. Pregnancy is not a cause but may make the condition worse, so symptoms are commonly first noticed during pregnancy.Women are affected twice as often as men.It usually first develops between the ages of 15-35 years but sometimes develops in younger children.Otosclerosis affects about 1 or 2 in 100 people in the UK. Usually both ears are affected in otosclerosis but sometimes only one ear is affected. It is caused by a problem with the tiny bones (ossicles) which transmit vibrations through the middle ear so we can hear sound. Otosclerosis is a common cause of hearing loss.