Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs There a Cure?TreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is There a Cure?
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing lossis a common condition that affects hearing, communication, and social skills. Treatment options for hearing loss may be as simple as removingexcess earwax, treating underlying conditions (such asfluid in the ear), or using ahearing aid. More complicated options include surgery orcochlear implants.
Read on to learn more about treatment options for hearing loss.
Is There a Cure for Hearing Loss?
The underlying cause and type of hearing loss you have will dictate whether it can be cured.
The other main type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, is usually the result of a problem with thecochleaor auditory nerve and is more likely to be permanent.
Prevalence of Hearing LossIn the United States, 13% of people over age 12 have some degree of hearing loss in both ears. The incidence of hearing loss is even greater in older adults. Around 22% of those age 65 to 74 and 55% of individualsover age 75have disabling hearing loss.
Prevalence of Hearing Loss
In the United States, 13% of people over age 12 have some degree of hearing loss in both ears. The incidence of hearing loss is even greater in older adults. Around 22% of those age 65 to 74 and 55% of individualsover age 75have disabling hearing loss.
Earwax Removal
There are many methods toremove earwax, but not all aresafe.
If you want to try to remove ear wax at home, there areover-the-counter (OTC) removal dropsthat are safe for individuals who have not had ear surgery.
You should not use cotton swabs or stick foreign objects such as paper clips into your ear in an effort to remove wax. The practice ofear candling—placing a lighted hollow candle into the ear canal to suction out earwax—is also discouraged.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aidsare devices that amplify sound. They are worn either behind the ear or just inside the outer ear canal. They are a good option for individuals with more permanent types of hearing loss.
To get a hearing aid, you can visit a healthcare provider such as an audiologist, who will evaluate your hearing and recommend an appropriate device. Over-the-counter hearing aids are also available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing aids come in many styles, including with features like Bluetooth. These devices continue to improve in functionality.
Surgery
Otosclerosis, which is a condition of abnormal bone growth inside the ear, causes damage to the tiny bones in the ear necessary for hearing. This condition is another cause of hearing loss that can be surgically treated. The bones can be removed to improve hearing.
Surgery may also be necessary to remove growths in the ear, such asacoustic neuromas, which can impair hearing. There are also special types of hearing aids that are surgically implanted.
Installingcochlear implantsis a common surgical procedure to treat hearing loss.
A cochlear implant is a device that stimulates the cochlear nerve. It is only recommended for people whose sensorineural hearing loss cannot be helped with a traditional hearing aid. It consists of multiple parts:
Rehabilitation after a cochlear implant allows you to understand speech better gradually.
Not all types of hearing losscan be prevented.
However, one of the most common types of hearing loss,noise-induced hearing loss, can be prevented. Sounds that reach 85 decibels or more can damage your hearing. Activities that can expose you to this level of noise include:
The longer you are exposed to loud noise, the more likely you are to suffer noise-induced hearing loss. Therefore, you should limit the amount of time you are exposed and, when necessary, wear proper ear protection, such as ear plugs.
Summary
The best treatment for hearing loss depends on multiple factors that are unique to an individual’s circumstances. A patient will need to work with their healthcare provider or anaudiologistto develop a treatment plan that best suits their individual needs. Common treatment options include hearing aids, earwax removal, implants, or surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Hearing loss is not only frustrating, it can be socially isolating and lead to depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.Early and adequate treatment may prevent further hearing loss, as well as any psychological problems associated with it.
If you have an incurable form of hearing loss, you may want to work with aspeech therapist, learn sign language or lip reading, or use advanced technological devices for communication.
Research shows that hearing loss is common, more likely to occur in individuals of advanced age, and can lead to social isolation, mental health challenges, and cognitive problems. Research also shows that adequate treatment can minimize the effects of hearing loss.
Hearing loss can be genetic andpresent at birth, or it can be the result of health conditions, such as fluid in the ear. The natural aging process and exposure to loud noises over time can also cause hearing loss.Learn MoreWhat Causes Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be genetic andpresent at birth, or it can be the result of health conditions, such as fluid in the ear. The natural aging process and exposure to loud noises over time can also cause hearing loss.
Learn MoreWhat Causes Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that only affects one ear is more likely to be due to an underlying medical condition, such as fluid in the ear, an ear infection, excessive earwax,cholesteatoma, orMeneire’s disease.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Quick statistics about hearing.Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products: what to know.Michigan Ear Institute.Otosclerosis and stapedectomy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cochlear implant surgery.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Noise-induced hearing loss.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The hidden risks of hearing loss.National Health Service.Overview hearing loss.Helping Me Hear.What percentage of hearing loss is legally deaf?
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Quick statistics about hearing.Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products: what to know.Michigan Ear Institute.Otosclerosis and stapedectomy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cochlear implant surgery.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Noise-induced hearing loss.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The hidden risks of hearing loss.National Health Service.Overview hearing loss.Helping Me Hear.What percentage of hearing loss is legally deaf?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Quick statistics about hearing.Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products: what to know.Michigan Ear Institute.Otosclerosis and stapedectomy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cochlear implant surgery.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Noise-induced hearing loss.Johns Hopkins Medicine.The hidden risks of hearing loss.National Health Service.Overview hearing loss.Helping Me Hear.What percentage of hearing loss is legally deaf?
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Quick statistics about hearing.
Food and Drug Administration.OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products: what to know.
Michigan Ear Institute.Otosclerosis and stapedectomy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cochlear implant surgery.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Noise-induced hearing loss.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The hidden risks of hearing loss.
National Health Service.Overview hearing loss.
Helping Me Hear.What percentage of hearing loss is legally deaf?
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