Hearing Loss Treatment

Hearing Loss is a very common ailment. Yet, people delay visiting

the Audiologist or the ENT Doctor. Delay in Hearing Loss
treatment can cause long-term damage. In Children, untreated
Hearing loss affects the education. In youth, unt reated Hearing
loss results in loss of self -esteem and job opportunities. Among
the working professionals, untreated Hearing Loss can harm their
career. Inability to take part in family discussions leads to
depression in Senior citizens. Use these tips to convince elders to
use Hearing aids in case they are reluctant.

Types of Hearing Loss

Before we discuss the Hearing Loss treatment. We should be
familiar with the types of Hearing Loss. There are 3 types of
Hearing Loss.

1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This type of Loss relates to the Sensory- Neural parts of the
hearing system. Sensory parts are organs which sense sound
waves. Neural parts are the nerves which carry the sound signal
to our Brain. Any damage to these parts results in Sensorineural
Hearing Loss.

Outer, Middle & Inner Ear Structure

2. Conductive Hearing Loss

This type of loss relates to the parts of the ear which conduct
sound. The Outer Ear and the Middle Ear form part of the
conductive system. Any physical damage or deformity in this area
causes Conductive Hearing Loss.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

Defects in the Sensorineural and Conductive Hearing system
causes Mixed Hearing Loss . Both types of Hearing loss contribute
to the total Hearing loss.
4. Sudden Hearing Loss
Some people also get Sudden Hearing Loss. Some of the reasons
for Sudden Hearing loss are exposure to a loud sound. More like a
sudden explosion or a loud blast. Ototoxicity, or Ear
Infections. People affected by Sudden Hearing Loss should rush to
the Hospital. Timely medical help can save the Hearing.

How to Detect Hearing Loss?

In a majority of the cases Hearing Loss is due to advancing age
or due to constant exposure to loud sounds. This type of Hearing
Loss is not sudden and affects us very gradually.

Hearing Loss increases very gradually. Initially, the affected

person is in denial and refuses to accept. The tendency of people
suffering from Hearing loss is to blame others or blame the
situation. “Why are you mumbling?” and “why can’t you speak
clearly and loudly?” are some of the common complaints we hear
from elders.

There are many signs which show that the person is suffering
from Hearing Loss. Some of th e signs are as follows:

Tips To Detect Hearing Loss

1. The first sign is missing out on some words in a group
conversation at home or in the office.
2. Missing out on words if the surroundings are noisy. It is
common in places like noisy restaurants or public pl aces.
3. Requesting others to repeat themselves.
4. Keeping the Television volume very loud.
5. You feel others are mumbling or not speaking clearly
 6. Unable to hear properly on the phone.
7. Need to look at the person to hear well. A little bit of lip
reading helps in understanding.
8. The person feels exhausted after a lengthy conversation.
This happens because the person tires due to more strain.
9. The affected person avoids social functions. Due to the
inability to converse in the group.
Hearing Loss can be due to Earache , ear discharge, blocked ears
or sudden ear pressure. These symptoms are signs of temporary
Hearing loss.

Confirmation of Hearing Loss.

Checking Ears with the Otoscope

Please note that the above tips show that the person might be
suffering from Hearing loss. You should fix an appointment with
the Audiologist or the Hearing Care Professional. The Audiologist
will start with checking the ears with the Otoscope. The physical
check will ensure that there is no earwax in the ears.

The next step is the Audiological tests. The Audiologist might

conduct any of the following Hearing Tests.

 OAE or Oto Acoustic Emission Test

This is a quick test which checks hearing up to the Inner Ear Hair
Cells.
  Pure Tone Audiometry Test
This test measures the level or severity of Hearing loss.

 Impedance Testing
This test checks the functioning of the Middle Ear

 ABR or Auditory Brainstem Response

This test is for babi es. The test measures the Brains response to
the tones and clicks presented to the ears.

Hearing Loss Treatment

The ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor and the Audiologist will
study the reports. The reports will determine the intensity or
severity and the type of Hearing Loss. The line of treatment will
depend on the type of hearing loss.

Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Age or accidents can cause weakness in the nerves or damage to
the delicate Hair Cells in the Cochlea. This is a major cause of
Sensorineural Hearing Loss. This type of Hearing loss is mostly
permanent. Doctors do prescribe vitamin supplements,
corticosteroids and drug therapy. To date, there is no direct cure
for Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Research on Hair Cell
Regeneration and Stem Cell Therapy is at an advanced stage. We
will have a cure very shortly.
Currently, the recommended remedy for Sensorineural Hearing
loss is use of Digital Hearing Devices.

 Hearing Aids
 Cochlear Implants

Treatment for Conductive Hearing Loss

In a majority of the cases Conductive Hearing Loss is curable.
Unless the damage to the Outer Ear or the Middle is severe.

Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss

The following reasons can cause Conductive Hearing loss.

 Earwax Accumulation
Cleaning the Ears can rectify the situation. Find out how to clean
earwax at home.
 Foreign Body Obstruction
This happens in the case of children. At times they insert beads
or small play items in the ear. Removing them can restor e
hearing.

 Ear Infection
Bacterial or Fungal infection can take place. Keep your ears clean
to prevent infection. Consult the doctor who will prescribe
antibiotics to clear the infection.

 Abnormal growth in the Ear

Sometimes there is abnormal bone growth. This growth reduces
the size of the ear canal. The problem can be surgically corrected.

 Eardrum Perforation
Eardrum can rupture due to a build-up of pressure in the middle
ear or due to an external injury.

In most of the above cases, Hearing Loss is revers ible with proper
treatment.

Treatment for Mixed Hearing Loss

A Mixed hearing loss is a combination of Sensorineural and
Conductive Hearing Loss. Normally the Doctor will first start with
the treatment of Conductive Hearing Loss. This will bring some
relief to the patient.

Currently available treatment of Sensorineural Hearing loss

cannot reverse hearing loss. Field trials are at an advanced stage
and a cure will be available very soon.