Hearing Loss treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is. Most important is that help and treatments are available.
Options for Hearing Loss Treatment
1. Surgical procedures
Surgery is recommended for many types of hearing problems, particularly conductive hearing loss. Some of the most common causes of conductive hearing loss are fluid in the middle ear, with or without infection, and earwax blocking the ear canal.
In cases where there is a bacterial infection of the middle ear, antibiotics are often used. Although these conditions often can be diagnosed and treated by a primary care doctor, persistent problems may require the care of an ear specialist.
Conductive hearing loss also may be caused by a problem with the bones of the middle ear, which, in many cases, can be treated with surgery.
2. Removal of wax blockage
Your doctor can remove excess wax using a small, curved instrument called a curet or by using suction while inspecting the ear. Your doctor can also flush out the wax using a water pick or a rubber-bulb syringe filled with warm water.
If earwax buildup is a recurring problem, your doctor may recommend that you use a wax-removal medication. Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed.
3. Hearing Aids
If diagnosed with hearing loss that cannot be treated medically, a doctor will recommend a hearing aid evaluation and consultation with an audiologist.
This consultation appointment will help determine which hearing aids or other assistive listening devices would be most appropriate.
Lifestyle, listening needs, and hearing concerns are important in determining the appropriate hearing aids.
4. Cochlear Implants
For severe hearing losses, a cochlear implant is the best solution.
A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that can help improve the hearing of people with severe, irreversible hearing loss, and it compensates for damaged or non-functioning parts of the inner ear.
It can allow a person to hear and understand more speech than was possible with a hearing aid.
The benefits of Hearing Loss Treatment
- Better self-confidence
- Improved view on life
- Closer relationships with other people
- Less depression