International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What occurs when the ossicles become fused and immobile?

1. Fistula

2. Ossicular fixation

3. Barotrauma

4. Acoustic neuroma

The correct answer is: Ossicular fixation

When the ossicles, which are the small bones in the middle ear responsible for sound transmission, become fused and immobile, this condition is referred to as ossicular fixation. This fusion can lead to a reduction in the mobility of these bones, impairing their ability to transmit sound effectively from the eardrum to the inner ear. Ossicular fixation can result from various causes, such as otosclerosis, where abnormal bone growth happens around the stapes (one of the ossicles), leading to hearing loss. The inability of the ossicles to move properly can significantly affect hearing acuity, typically resulting in conductive hearing loss, where the sound is not effectively conducted through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing the importance of the ossicular chain in hearing. The other options refer to different medical conditions or issues unrelated to the fixation of the ossicles.