Can Hearing Loss Be Cured?

Hearing loss is an irreversible condition that cannot be cured, but with proper care treatment, it can be managed. The prevalence of hearing impairment increases as people grow old, although it’s not only older people who experience hearing loss. According to American Hearing Association, approximately nine million Americans between the age of 18-44 years are found to experience varying types of hearing impairment. Many varying factors increase the risk of hearing impairment. These factors include biological and environmental factors. However, no matter the risk cause of hearing impairment, accepting the reality that it is happening is crucial for personal well-being, emotional and physical health. There are numerous benefits to leap after treating hearing impairment, which include:

• enhancing your mood,
• improving your communication,
• reduces the presence of anxiety and depression

Untreated hearing loss is often accompanied by a feeling of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Also, untreated hearing loss makes it difficult to hear and communicate appropriately in a variety of social settings such as in the restaurants and workplaces. Proper hearing loss treatment begins by acknowledging the existence of hearing impairment, which equally improves your mood, happiness, and overall increases your well-being.  

Types and Causes of Hearing Loss

While hearing impairment is unique to every individual, the condition can be categorized into three types depending on the chamber of the ear affected. They include:  

Sensorineural hearing loss

This is the most common type of hearing impairment and occurs when the hair cells are damaged, which fails to transmit auditory signals to the brain properly. The sound may be understood as unclear or muffled. In most cases, sensorineural hearing loss cannot be restored through medical or surgical procedures. Hearing aids are often used as an effective treatment option for this condition. The following are some of the risk factors to this condition:

• Viral or bacterial illness
• Aging
• Continues exposure to loud sounds
• Malformation of the inner ear
• Genetic factors
• Head trauma
• Ototoxic drugs

Conductive hearing loss

This type of hearing loss occurs when there is blockage of outer and middle ear inhibiting sound movement from through the middle ear to the inner ear. Those with conductive hearing loss experience a reduced level of hearing sound, or they may find it challenging to acuity faint sounds. Treatment options of this condition may include surgery, medication, or the use of hearing aids. Possible causes are:

• Fluid blockage in the middle ear
• Perforated eardrum
• Infections on the upper respiratory parts
• Presence of foreign bodies in the ear
• Allergies
• Benign tumors
• Swimmer’s ear

Mixed hearing loss

This type of hearing loss occurs when there is both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This condition can be treated through surgery, medications, or the use of hearing aids.

Hearing Loss Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of hearing impairment. Options include:

• Surgical procedures
• Hearing aid devices
• Cochlear implants
• Use of suction tools to remove the wax blockage
• Antibiotics medications

Benefits of Treating Hearing Impairment

Sometimes, treating hearing impairment can be a long and challenging process, but the benefits of better hearing are worth the struggle. Many studies have linked untreated hearing loss to adverse effects, including depression, social isolation, increased risk of dementia, and Alzheimer’s diseases. These results are enough to convince you to be more vigilant and proactive about hearing loss treatment. Here are a few benefits that come along with hearing impairment treatment:

• Financial benefits – the better you here at the workplace, the more valuable the resource you become. Research by Better Hearing Institute found that untreated hearing impairment can reduce annual income by as much as $30,000. It was also found that treating hearing impairment minimizes the risk of losing earning by up to 90 percent.
• Cognitive benefits – several studies have linked untreated hearing impairment to increase the risk of developing cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and dementia. The good news is that treating hearing impairment can help reduce the accelerated brain atrophy and at the same time enhancing hearing ability.
• Emotional benefits – the psychological benefits of treating hearing impairment are numerous. Since treating hearing impairment can significantly improve your sense of well-being, it can also enhance your ability to connect with social networks. This will help you feel emotionally connected and supported.

House of Hearing

While there is no cure for hearing impairment, there are effective treatment options that can restore hearing, helping people to lead a happy and healthy life. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing and struggle with communication, contact us today. We provide comprehensive hearing health services and we’re here to help!