Treatment for temporary or reversible
hearing
loss usually
depends on the cause of the hearing loss. Treatment for
permanent hearing loss includes using hearing devices.
Although you and your family may view permanent hearing
loss as part of aging, proper treatment is important.
Hearing loss may contribute to loneliness, depression,
and loss of independence. Treatment cannot bring back
your hearing, but it can make communication, social
interaction, and work and daily activities easier and
more enjoyable.
Initial treatment
Treatment for reversible hearing
loss depends on its cause. It is often treated
successfully. Hearing loss caused by:
Ototoxic medicines (such
as aspirin or ibuprofen) often improves after you
stop taking the medicine.
An ear
infection, such as a middle ear infection, often
clears up on its own, but you may need antibiotics.
An injury
to the ear or head may
heal on its own, or you may need surgery.
Otosclerosis, acoustic
neuroma, or Ménière's
disease may
require medicine or surgery.
An autoimmune problem may be treated with corticosteroid medicines,
generally prednisone.
Earwax is
treated by removing the wax. Do not use a cotton
swab or a sharp object to try to remove the wax.
This may push the wax even deeper into the ear or
may cause injury. For information on how to remove
hardened earwax safely, see the topic Earwax.
In permanent hearing
loss, such as age-related and noise-induced hearing
loss, hearing devices can often improve how well you
hear and communicate. These devices include:
Hearing aids. Hearing aids make sounds louder
(amplify). They do not restore your hearing, but
they may help you function and communicate more
easily.
Assistive listening devices, alerting devices, and
other communication aids.
