Hearing loss complicates everyday activities such as interacting with others, watching TV, and scheduling appointments. It’s no wonder that getting a hearing loss diagnosis can be an emotional and challenging time.
Because medical technology is rapidly advancing, you may wonder whether doctors can restore your hearing or if there is a “quick fix” for hearing loss. While neither is the case, there are promising solutions for permanent hearing loss shortly. In the meantime, the following are some of the best solutions for permanent hearing loss.
Medications may help with permanent hearing loss
It is imperative to remember that there are minimal circumstances in which doctors can cure hearing loss only with medication. In some cases of sudden hearing loss, steroids can be injected into the ear or taken orally to reduce inflammation. However, this treatment must be utilized early to help some people regain their full hearing.
There are no other drug options that cure or reverse the effects of hearing loss, although research began in October 2019 on a drug that may be able to do just that.
Surgery can help repair hearing
If you have structural problems in or around the ear that are causing hearing loss, surgery can correct the eardrum and the middle ear to repair the issue.
Some of the most common types of hearing repair surgery include:
- Stapedectomy for patients who have otosclerosis, a condition that affects the bone in the middle of the ear
- Tympanoplasty, which can repair or replace an eardrum that has been injured
Restoring your hearing is the ultimate goal of the procedure so you can:
- Lead a more comfortable life
- Have less trouble with everyday activities such as talking to others
- Enjoy watching television and listening to music
- Have less frequent ear infections for those who receive a tympanoplasty
Listening devices are a solution for a permanent hearing loss
If your doctor cannot medically treat your hearing loss, they may recommend a hearing aid evaluation and consultation with an audiologist. The talk will determine which hearing aids or other assistive listening devices would be most appropriate by considering your:
- Lifestyle
- Listening needs
- Hearing concerns
Hearing or alerting assistive devices may be recommended in addition to, or instead of, hearing aids. These technologies include signaling or test display devices and Assistive Listening Devices.
Why treat your hearing loss at South Florida ENT Associates?
Our physicians at South Florida ENT Associates are highly trained ENT specialists with 30+ locations across the South Florida region, making your hearing loss treatment accessible wherever you are.
To ultimately know if you are experiencing hearing loss, book an appointment to complete a hearing test. We will examine you, listen to your concerns, and thoroughly discuss your medical history and the symptoms you may be experiencing.
