The best treatments for hearing loss depend on the type and cause of the hearing impairment. Not all hearing loss is permanent. For temporary hearing loss that is medically treatable, treatment is based on the cause of the hearing loss.
If the hearing loss is caused by a blockage of sound by earwax or an ear infection, the blockages are cleared. For earwax, this can be as simple as the removal of the plug of earwax. Ear infections may require antibiotics. If the ear infection is recurrent or resistant to treatment, ear tubes may be surgically implanted to help the infection drain.
Treatments for hearing loss due to head injury or acoustical trauma may require surgery to repair the damaged ear. A hearing impairment due to exposure to medications or chemicals may subside after the person is no longer exposed to the chemical.
Some types of hearing loss are treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone. Hearing impairment caused by an autoimmune disease is an example of hearing loss commonly treated with corticosteroid medication. Idiopathic hearing loss is a hearing impairment with a sudden onset and no identifiable cause. Idiopathic hearing loss is also treated with corticosteroid medication.
Permanent hearing loss is hearing loss that cannot be medically corrected. This type of hearing impairment may be treated with hearing aids to amplify sound which may allow the person to have at least some hearing improvement. A hearing aid will not restore the person’s hearing loss, but may help the person be able to hear by making sounds louder when the person is wearing the hearing aid.
A cochlear implant is like a hearing aid that is implanted to compensate for damage to the cochlea. A cochlear implant is typically used only for severe or profound hearing loss or deafness.
Prevention of hearing loss can help the person avoid the need for hearing aids. The causes of hearing loss are not always preventable. However, people may experience less noise-induced and age-related hearing loss if they protect their hearing. Avoiding exposure to loud noise or wearing protective gear such as earplugs when necessary can reduce the chances of hearing loss.