In this condition the normal bony part of the inner ear is altered, with irregular laying down of bone. The delicate mechanism of the inner ear is changed, such that hearing is adversely affected. This condition does tend to occur in association with pregnancy, or sometimes with the contraceptive pill. It tends to lead to hearing loss, usually of certain frequencies, which may improve after delivery, but in many cases does not. It would be usual for someone with this condition to be monitored regularly, and sometimes operative treatment is required.