Hearing Loss Treatment
Hearing loss treatment has come a long way in recent years. Hearing aids are more powerful than ever and techniques like cochlear implants can help to restore your hearing.
How to Treat the Different Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss:
Sensorineural hearing loss usually involves permanent damage that occurs in the inner ear. Surgery is rarely an option in these cases, making hearing aids the most common form of treatment.
Surgery may be an option for conductive hearing loss, especially if a blockage is the chief cause of your condition. For example, a surgeon may be able to remove impacted earwax or relieve fluid build-up in the ears. Still, hearing aids can also help those with conductive hearing loss.
Preventative measures are often best for noise-induced hearing loss. Wearing earmuffs and avoiding exposure to noise above 85 decibels are both recommended techniques.
As hearing loss caused by noise is often permanent, hearing aids are the most common form of treatment for this type of issue.
Learn about key hearing loss treatment options
It’s natural to start your search for hearing loss treatment when you realise that your hearing isn’t what it used to be. However, the nature of that treatment varies depending on the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing. Here are four possible options.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids to amplify sound, increasing the clarity of what you hear in the process. They’re also helpful for those with tinnitus because they can mask the condition’s effects and make what you hear clearer.
Freedom Hearing provides everyday Australians with access to the latest hearing aid technology. Speak to our audiologists to find out if these devices can help you.
Surgery
Surgery may be effective treatment for conductive hearing loss. For example, you may consider surgery to remove a blockage that affects your hearing.
Surgeons can also implant bone conduction and middle ear implants to overcome conductive and single-sided hearing issues.
Cochlear implants
These medical devices are surgically implanted into the cochlear and worn alongside an external sound processor. Cochlear implants are an effective form of hearing loss treatment as they convert sound into electrical signals that your brain interprets. Think of them as substitutes for your ear’s natural cochlear.
Assistive technology
Many types of assistive technology can help those with hearing issues and auditory processing disorders. Examples include special sound systems that convert FM and infrared into radio signals that are easier to hear. Subtitles on television shows can also help those with hearing loss.
Try the hearing loss self-assessment
How do you know if you need hearing loss treatment?
If you answer “yes” to most or all of the questions in this quiz, it’s likely time to speak to a hearing loss specialist:
Struggling to hear these days?
Speak to a Freedom Hearing audiologist about tinnitus now!
Benefits of Treating Your Hearing Loss
Treating hearing loss comes with several social and professional benefits:
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Treatment FAQs
Deafness, or hearing loss, can be improved through various methods, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include:
- Hearing aids: These devices amplify sounds and can be customised to fit the individual’s hearing loss and lifestyle. There are different types of hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal, and some of them can be connected to smartphones, allowing the user to stream audio directly to their hearing aids.
- Cochlear implants: These are electronic devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear and can help people with severe or profound hearing loss to hear.
- Assistive listening devices: These devices can be used in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants to help people hear better in specific situations, such as in the theatre or during telephone conversations.
- Speech and language therapy: This type of therapy can help people who are deaf or hard of hearing to improve their communication skills and learn alternative ways to communicate, such as sign language.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery can be used to repair or remove the cause of the hearing loss, such as a blocked ear canal or a benign tumour.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all causes of deafness can be treated, and some people may require lifelong support and accommodations to manage their hearing loss.
It is important to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to determine the cause of the hearing loss and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
There are currently no medicines that can cure or directly help deafness, as it is typically a permanent condition. However, some medications can be used to treat certain causes of deafness, such as:
- Antibiotics: These can be used to treat ear infections, which can cause hearing loss if left untreated.
- Steroids: These can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear, which can improve hearing in some cases.
- Diuretics: These can be used to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear, which can improve hearing in some cases.
Some medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect, in this case, your healthcare provider may recommend alternative medications or lower dosages.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all causes of deafness can be treated with medications, and some people may require lifelong support and accommodations to manage their hearing loss. It is important to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to determine the cause of the hearing loss and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
It is important to note that self-medicating can be dangerous, and you should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medications.
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine that uses highly diluted natural substances to treat various conditions, including hearing loss. However, it’s important to note that there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of homeopathy for the treatment of hearing loss.
Homeopathy practitioners may suggest remedies based on the individual’s symptoms, general health, and overall medical history.
It is important to note that homeopathy should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.
If you have hearing loss, it is important to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for an evaluation to determine the cause of the hearing loss and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not all causes of deafness can be treated with homeopathy, and some people may require lifelong support and accommodations to manage their hearing loss.
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