Depending on the type of hearing loss you have, it may be possible to reverse it. Let’s take a look at the types of hearing loss that might be temporary, as well as what the treatment options are.
Conductive Hearing Loss Can Often Be Reversed
Most temporary hearing loss is known as conductive hearing loss. This is when sound cannot get through the outer or middle ear due to some sort of blockage. This blockage could be due to something like fluid from an ear infection or an object stuck in your ear.
Other causes of conductive hearing loss include, but are not limited to:
- Earwax buildup
- Swimmer’s ear
- Benign tumors in your ear
- Perforated eardrum
- Poor Eustachian tube function
- A problem with how the middle or outer ear is formed
Treatment for conductive hearing loss depends on the cause. Some examples of various treatments include:
- Antibiotics for a bacterial infection
- Earwax removal
- Extraction of a foreign object
- Surgery to repair any malformations or to remove growths in the ear.
Often, once the cause of conductive hearing loss is treated, your hearing will return to normal. However, some causes of conductive hearing loss cannot be fully treated and are, therefore, permanent.
Sudden Hearing Loss May Be Reversed If Treated Quickly
Sudden hearing loss, which, as the name suggests, is hearing loss that comes on immediately or progresses quickly over the course of several hours or days, can sometimes be reversed as well. However, prompt treatment is necessary to give yourself the best chance to restore your hearing.
While a reason for sudden hearing loss cannot always be explained, some conditions known to cause it include:
- Trauma to the head or ear
- Viral illness
- Autoimmune conditions
- Disorders that affect blood flow to the ear
- Tumors in the ear
- Certain medications
Research has shown that “sudden sensorineural hearing loss and autoimmune inner ear disease are acute and subacute forms of sensorineural hypoacusia most likely to be reversed with prompt pharmacological intervention.”
Treatment consists of several weeks of corticosteroid medication. In addition to cases that are treated quickly, mild to moderate cases of sudden hearing loss are more likely to be reversed than severe cases. Sometimes, despite treatment, some level of permanent hearing loss occurs.
Can My Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
If you’ve noticed that your hearing seems muffled when at work or when you’re catching up with friends at Crema Coffee Company, get in to see your medical provider as soon as possible. If it’s conductive or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, it may be able to be reversed with the right treatment.
If some or all of your hearing loss is permanent, treatment options like hearing aids can significantly improve your ability to understand speech and other sounds and make it easier to navigate any environment with confidence in your ability to hear.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call SoundLogic today.