Treatment Of Hearing Loss

Medication, Surgery & Hearing Instruments

Several factors determine how hearing loss is treated. Audiologists work closely with general practitioners and Ear- Nose and Throat Specialists to manage hearing loss.

If a hearing loss is due to an infection, it could potentially be treated with medication. Sometimes middle ear infections are treated with grommets (ventilation tubes). If the problem is due to damage to the middle ear, for e.g. the eardrum or the middle ear bones, it could potentially be treated with an operation. Many hearing problems cannot be treated medically or surgically. In such cases hearing instruments are the treatment method of choice.

Once someone is identified as a candidate for hearing instruments, the audiologist discusses the available options with the patient and make appropriate recommendations based on the needs of the individual. Patients are encourage to make an informed decision.

Cochlear Implants

Some people, usually because of the extent of their hearing loss, do not benefit from conventional hearing instruments. Such individuals could potentially benefit from a Cochlear Implant.

Bone Anchored Hearing Instruments

Bone anchored hearing instruments are devices that are surgically implanted into the mastoid bone (the bone behind the ear). These devices are treatment options for people with no hearing in one ear (single sided deafness) or for people with a very significant conductive hearing loss that cannot be fitted with conventional hearing instruments. It can also be used for individuals with congenital abnormalities of the outer or middle ear.