If you have hearing loss, I am sure you have wondered if there is any way (medical treatment, surgery, etc.) to correct the loss. There are 3 types of hearing loss. The answer to the question depends on the type of hearing loss you have.
The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss. This loss comes from the cochlea, the organ of hearing, in the inner ear. It involves the hair cells inside the cochlea. Some of those hair cells may die, causing hearing loss. This can come from exposure to loud noise, genetics, ototoxic medications, and even normal aging. This type of loss is most often permanent and may even be progressive. There are exceptions to the rule. Some conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, can cause hearing to fluctuate. During an episode, the hearing may drop, and once resolved, the hearing may come back. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a sudden loss of hearing, often in just one ear, may improve with prompt treatment. While there are no guarantees, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible for the best chance of recovery.
Conductive hearing loss comes from the outer or middle ear. The cochlea is fine, but there is a problem getting the sound into the inner ear. This could come from wax impaction, fluid or infection in the middle ear, perforation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum), or even fixation of the small bones in the middle ear. These causes are typically medically or surgically treatable.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Sometimes the conductive component can be improved with treatment, but the sensorineural component is permanent.
If you suspect you, or someone you love, might have hearing loss, see a doctor of audiology. We will perform a visual inspection of your ears to see if there is any blockage. We will test your hearing to see if you have normal hearing or some degree of hearing loss. This test will also determine the type of hearing loss you have. If your hearing loss is not medically treatable, there are still options to improve your hearing. These options include the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, or BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids).
