According to studies, about 50 million Americans experience tinnitus, and 90% have hearing loss issues.
Fortunately, technology and medical advancements have led to various safe, convenient, and effective treatment options for hearing troubles.
So, if you suspect a loved one has hearing loss, it’s high time you help them out. After all, even they feel frustrated when they can’t hear you or scream unnecessarily.
But if you’re confused about which to get, here are the most popular treatment options.
1. Behind-the-ear hearing aids
This is the most popular treatment option due to its strategic placement location, i.e., behind the ears.
The mini Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are negligibly visible from the front and claim lesser interaction with the in-the-ear area.
Moreover, they are found in multiple sizes and colors and customized for multiple hearing loss levels.
However, it may not be wise to choose the type of hearing aid without the consultation of the experts.
2. Earwax removal
Earwax helps to trap dust particles and stop them from entering and impacting the eardrum.
Sometimes, the canal can’t push out the wax due to unconventional ear shapes, and the wax gets stuck.
In this case, a simple wax removal in the clinic can relieve your hearing loss!
3. Medication
Some medicines/injections, such as aminoglycoside or another ototoxic drug, may lead to hearing loss.
Don’t wait too long if your loved one is prescribed any of these and develops hearing loss symptoms.
Otherwise, it may result in a higher risk of physical and mental health dangers like depression and fainting out.
If you seek a medical practitioner immediately, you can solve it with medicines.
However, not all types of hearing loss can be treated with medications, and their effectiveness varies depending on the individual case.
4. Cochlear implants
A cochlear implant is another treatment option, commonly perceived as very supportive for children with severe or profound hearing loss.
Cochlear implants bypass the inner ear to stimulate the auditory nerve and provide the clarity of sound required to understand the speaker’s speech.
5. Bone-anchored hearing systems
A bone-anchored hearing aid is formed in three parts: a titanium implant, an external abutment, and a sound processor.
The system functions by modifying natural bone transmission as a passage for sound to flow to the inner ear, bypassing the auditory canal and middle ear.
It benefits individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss. These systems directly transmit sound vibrations through the skull bone to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ears.
It is surgically implanted and can improve hearing in cases where traditional hearing aids are ineffective.
6. Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are designed to help individuals with hearing loss in specific situations, such as watching TV, hearing lectures, or talking on the phone.
ALDs can amplify sound or eliminate background noise, making it easier to understand speech. They can be used alongside hearing aids or as standalone devices.
7. Auditory training
Auditory training programmes aim to improve speech perception and listening skills in individuals with hearing loss.
The programs involve various exercises and activities that help the brain process sound more effectively.
Auditory training can be done in person or through computer-based programs and may benefit individuals with hearing aids and cochlear implants.
8. Surgical interventions
Some types of hearing loss, such as those caused by structural abnormalities, tumors, or blockages, may require surgical intervention.
Surgical procedures can address these underlying causes and restore or improve hearing.
Examples include tympanoplasty (repairing the eardrum), stapedectomy (correcting hearing loss due to otosclerosis), or tumor removal.
Whether you need surgery depends on the specific diagnosis and is determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
9. Assistive devices
Assistive technology encompasses a range of devices and applications that can assist individuals with hearing loss.
Examples include captioned telephones, vibrating alarm clocks, and smartphone apps that amplify sound or provide visual cues.
These technologies enhance communication and accessibility for individuals with hearing loss in various daily situations.
Over to you
While there are multiple options to deal with hearing issues, the treatment entirely depends on the particular problem and the intensity of hearing loss.
Before choosing any options, research more, seek a specialist, and only then choose what works best for you.
Tim Williamson, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.