There are currently more than 1.5 billion people in the world living with hearing loss. While it can feel a little alarming to notice that voices sound muffled or the television is always too low, learning about the steps of hearing loss treatment can help demystify the experience.
Hearing Tests
The first step in hearing loss treatment is a hearing test. Pure-tone testing is the most common hearing test. Pure-tone testing finds the quietest volume you can hear at each pitch. During the test, your hearing specialist will play a series of tones through headphones. You will raise your hand or press a button when you hear a sound. Your specialist will note the tones you hear on an audiogram, a visual representation of your hearing abilities.
Getting the Results
After reviewing your audiogram results, your audiologist will explain the test results, classifying your hearing loss between mild and profound. Based on your degree of hearing loss, your audiologist will move on to discussing your treatment options.
Reviewing Your Treatment Options
Your treatment options will vary depending on the cause and type of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when something blocks the path of sound through the ear. Common causes include infections, blocked Eustachian tubes, perforated eardrum, benign tumors and objects stuck in the ear. Treatment options for conductive hearing loss may include medication to treat infections, surgeries or procedures to remove blockages and hearing aids when the underlying cause is incurable.
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). SNHL happens as a result of inner ear damage. Common causes of SNHL include illness, ototoxic drugs, genetics, aging, head trauma and loud noise exposure. While most causes of SNHL cannot be cured, hearing aids can significantly improve your life with hearing loss.
Starting Hearing Aids
Once your audiologist has determined that hearing aids are the right treatment path, you can set out to find the perfect devices for your hearing and lifestyle needs. You will likely go over the different types of hearing aids (behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, in-the-canal etc.) and technology options (Bluetooth®, noise suppression etc.). Once you choose the right option, your audiologist will program and fit your devices to your frequency needs. Depending on device availability and custom-fit options, it may take a few weeks to get your new devices, but once they’re programmed, you can begin enjoying your newfound clarity right away.
Getting treatment for your hearing loss may feel like a long path, but the benefits are worth the effort. Contact Gulf Coast Audiology today to start your treatment journey with one of our specialists.