Not Sex. Maybe Oto Sclerosis?

3 Nov 2005

I'd like some insight into a recent diagnosis I've had, and reckoned that somewhere among the 20,000+ users of this site there's knowledge that'll be useful to me. The doc has diagnosed oto sclerosis, but to my understanding, I'm not presenting the normal symptoms (some loss of hearing especially in the lower registers due to fusing of some of the inner ear material - a type of arthritis).
I actually have very keen hearing in all of the registers. My difficulty is that in a normal crowded environment (restaurant / party / pub) I find it very hard to distinguish individual conversations ... I pick up everyting. I also find loud noises quite painful, sometimes.
I know there is a recognised condition thatencompasses this filtering difficultly, but is it oto sclerosis?
Oh, and if you'd prefer to add a sexual element to it, let's include difficulty in having conversations during a busy orgy!
Thanks in advance

3 Nov 2005

Never heard of it before, but helped me.
What was your question, again?

3 Nov 2005

Can't help babe ............... coz I've never even heard of it b4.
But good luck and take care
Sam xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

3 Nov 2005

def heard of it, my understanding was particular zones of loss, and could occur spontaneously during pregnancy. Not my speciality though

4 Nov 2005

Many thanks. Yes, websites such as thee one linked is as far as I got with my understanding of it - but it doesn't cover the very specific issue of difficult to differentiate sounds in a crowded environment ... whereas I can hear a pin drop in an empty sports hall - literally!
And for what its worth, I also pick upt low-frequency hum, which some people experience and they also test ok for hearing ... we just seem to hear things that others don't.
re pregnancy issues. I'm the male part of the team, so not applicable!
Thanks again all. Any other views out there?

4 Nov 2005

This sounds like hyperacuity with a possible loss in frequency response around the 4kHz region, which would cause problems in picking out what's being said. Have a look at the RNID website and also why not ask for a referral to a specialist? Most GP's have a limited understanding of audiology.....