How Is Hearing Loss Typically Treated?

Hearing loss is a widespread condition that affects millions of people across all age groups. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, know that you are not alone – and more importantly, that there are effective treatment options available. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the most common ways that audiologists and hearing specialists treat hearing loss to help patients regain the gift of sound.

Hearing Aids

For most people with hearing loss, hearing aids are the go-to treatment solution. Modern hearing aids are sophisticated, discreet devices that amplify sounds to a level the wearer can hear. They consist of a microphone to pick up sound, an amplifier to make the sound louder, and a receiver that delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal.

Digital hearing aids, the most advanced type, can be programmed by your audiologist to match your specific hearing loss profile. They often include features like directional microphones to focus on speech, noise reduction to minimize background noise, and multiple listening programs optimized for different environments.

If your audiologist recommends hearing aids, they will guide you in selecting the right style (e.g. behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, completely-in-canal) and technology level for your needs, lifestyle and budget. A proper fitting and real-ear measurements ensure the hearing aids are delivering the right amount of amplification to your ears.

Cochlear Implants

For individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants may be an option. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve with electrical signals.

The external part of a cochlear implant, worn behind the ear, contains a microphone, speech processor and transmitter. It captures sounds and converts them into digital code. This code is sent to the surgically implanted receiver and electrode array in the inner ear, which stimulates the auditory nerve. The brain interprets these signals as sound.

Cochlear implant candidacy is determined by an evaluation with an audiologist. After implantation, the recipient works closely with their audiologist and speech therapist to learn or relearn to hear with the device. While outcomes vary, many cochlear implant recipients achieve significant gains in hearing and speech understanding.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are specialized technologies that help people with hearing loss communicate more effectively, especially in challenging listening environments. They work alone or in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants to further improve hearing. Some common ALDs include:

• Personal amplifiers: Portable, pocket-sized devices that amplify sounds for the listener. Ideal for one-on-one conversations.
• FM systems: Wireless devices that transmit speech directly from the speaker’s microphone to the listener’s receiver, which is connected to their hearing aids or worn as headphones. Often used in classroom or lecture settings.
• Infrared systems: Similar to FM systems but use infrared light instead of radio waves to transmit sound. Commonly found in theaters, churches and other public venues.
• Hearing loops: A loop of wire installed around a room that transmits sound electromagnetically to a receiver called a telecoil, which is built into most hearing aids and cochlear implants. Loops provide clear, direct sound without background noise.

Your audiologist can recommend the most suitable ALDs for your needs and demonstrate how to use them with your hearing devices.

Auditory Training

Auditory training is a therapeutic intervention that aims to help people with hearing loss make better use of their residual hearing and improve communication. It involves a systematic set of listening exercises designed to retrain the brain to process speech and other sounds more effectively.

In formal auditory training programs, individuals practice listening tasks under the guidance of an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. These tasks may include identifying words in background noise, discriminating between similar-sounding words, and tracking conversational speech. Training is often conducted using specialized computer software that adapts the difficulty level as the user’s performance improves.

Less formally, your audiologist may assign at-home listening practice, such as actively listening to audiobooks or podcasts, or practicing speech reading (lip reading) with a partner. The goal is to keep the auditory system and the brain engaged and challenged.

Auditory training can enhance the benefits of hearing aids and cochlear implants. By developing active listening and communication strategies, individuals can better navigate real-world listening situations.

Medical and Surgical Treatments

In some cases, hearing loss results from a medical condition. Examples include:

• Earwax (cerumen) removal: Earwax buildup is a common cause of reversible hearing loss. If the blockage is severe, your doctor may remove it using irrigation, suction or special instruments.
• Treatment of ear infections: Infections of the outer ear (swimmer’s ear) or middle ear (otitis media) can cause temporary hearing loss. Prompt treatment with antibiotics or antifungal medications usually restores hearing.
• Surgical repair of the eardrum or middle ear bones: Injuries or chronic infections can damage the eardrum or the tiny bones of the middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss. Surgical procedures like tympanoplasty or ossiculoplasty can reconstruct these structures and improve hearing.
• Tumor removal: Benign tumors like acoustic neuromas can impair hearing and balance as they grow. Surgical excision of the tumor, sometimes combined with radiation, may prevent further hearing loss, although existing hearing loss is often permanent.

Your audiologist will diagnose any underlying medical issues impacting your hearing and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Hearing Protection

Preventing further hearing loss is a crucial part of any hearing loss treatment plan. Noise-induced hearing loss, caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds, is a common and preventable type of hearing loss.

Your audiologist will likely recommend using hearing protection in noisy environments. Options include disposable foam earplugs, reusable earplugs, earmuffs, and custom musician’s earplugs. For individuals who encounter loud noise at work, custom hearing protection devices can provide a comfortable fit and allow for communication while still protecting hearing.

In addition to using physical hearing protection, your audiologist will advise you to follow safe listening practices with personal audio devices. This includes keeping the volume at a moderate level and taking breaks from extended listening.

Protecting your hearing from further damage is one of the best ways to optimize your hearing health long-term, in conjunction with other treatments.

Aural Rehabilitation

Aural rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to helping people adapt to and manage their hearing loss. It combines various treatment strategies to optimize hearing and communication abilities, addressing the physical, psychological and social impacts of hearing loss.

Components of an aural rehab program may include:

• Counseling and education about hearing loss
• Auditory training
• Speech reading training
• Communication strategies training
• Assistive listening device selection and orientation
• Hearing aid or cochlear implant fitting and adjustment
• Tinnitus management techniques
• Psychosocial support

An individualized aural rehab plan is developed by the audiologist based on the patient’s type and degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and communication needs. Family members are often involved to learn how to best communicate with and support their loved one.

The ultimate goal of aural rehabilitation is to empower individuals to effectively cope with hearing loss, maximize their communication potential, and maintain their quality of life.

Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus, often described as ringing in the ears, is a common companion to hearing loss. While there is no cure for tinnitus, various management strategies can help individuals better cope with the condition. Your audiologist may recommend:

• Tinnitus masking: Devices that generate low-level white noise or nature sounds to partially mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): A structured program that combines sound therapy with directive counseling to help the brain habituate to the tinnitus signal.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that helps individuals change their emotional reaction to tinnitus and develop coping skills.
• Stress reduction and relaxation techniques: Methods like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise to reduce stress and anxiety that can worsen tinnitus.

Hearing aids, when appropriately fit, can also provide relief from tinnitus by amplifying background sounds that help mask the tinnitus. Many modern hearing aids even include built-in tinnitus masking programs.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to direct treatments for hearing loss, your audiologist may suggest certain lifestyle modifications to enhance communication and general well-being:

• Communication strategies: Speaking face-to-face, reducing background noise, rephrasing rather than repeating, and using visual cues can all facilitate better communication for people with hearing loss.
• Assertiveness training: Learning to confidently express one’s listening needs and advocate for accommodations can greatly improve communication success and reduce stress and frustration.
• Hearing assistive technology at home: Devices like amplified telephones, flashing or vibrating alerts for the doorbell and smoke alarm, and closed-captioning on televisions can make daily life more accessible.
• Staying socially and mentally active: Engaging in social activities, hobbies, and cognitive stimulation (e.g. puzzles, reading) is vital for maintaining overall health and quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and cognitive decline.
• Regular hearing check-ups: Monitoring your hearing over time allows your audiologist to detect any changes early and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Annual hearing evaluations are recommended for people with hearing loss.

Your audiologist will work with you to identify areas of your life where modifications could be beneficial and provide guidance on implementing these changes.

Working with Your Local Hearing Care Experts

Treating hearing loss is a highly individualized process that requires the care and expertise of trained hearing professionals. At Audio Rehab Lab Inc in Tallahassee, FL, our team of skilled audiologists is dedicated to helping you find the best treatment solutions for your unique hearing needs.

From comprehensive hearing evaluations to personalized hearing aid fittings, and from cochlear implant mapping to aural rehabilitation programs, we offer a full range of services to optimize your hearing health. Our patient-centered approach means we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in every step of the treatment process.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention is key to preventing further hearing loss and maintaining your quality of life. Contact Audio Rehab Lab Inc today at (850) 541-9693 to schedule a consultation with one of our caring audiologists. Together, we’ll find the right treatment path to help you rediscover the world of sound.