Hearing Loss

Medically reviewed by Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS

Hearing loss treatment

Treatment of hearing loss depends on the cause and severity of your hearing loss. Oftentimes, an audiologist or provider will use the results of your examinations to determine the course of your treatment.

Some treatment options38 for hearing loss include:

  • Removing wax blockage: In some cases, an earwax blockage may cause difficulty hearing. This is a temporary and reversible cause of hearing loss. A healthcare provider may remove earwax by using gentle suction or a small tool that will scoop it out.
  • Surgical procedures: Some types of hearing loss require surgical treatment. This includes physical abnormalities, such as malformations of the eardrum or hearing bones (ossicles). If you have had repeated infections with persistent fluid drainage, a provider may insert small tubes that help the ears drain.
  • Hearing aids: When hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear, a hearing aid can help restore or improve the ability to hear. Audiologists can discuss the potential benefits of hearing aids and help fit you with the proper device.
  • Cochlear implants: A cochlear implant may be the right option for severe hearing loss that gains limited benefit from a conventional hearing aid. While hearing aids amplify sounds and direct them into the ear canal, cochlear implants bypass damaged or non-functional parts of the inner ear, directly stimulating the hearing nerve.

Discussing treatment options with a provider or specialist is the best way to determine what is right for you.

Hearing loss prevention

Hearing loss associated with aging is inevitable. However, the best way to prevent developing hearing loss at an early age is to reduce your noise exposure.

Some ways to reduce noise exposure include:

  • Reducing noise at the source (for noise associated with an industrial workplace, this means using quieter equipment39 and keeping equipment well-maintained and lubricated)
  • Enclosing sources of noise or placing barriers between yourself and the noise
  • Increasing the distance between you and the source of the noise
  • Reducing the time spent in noisy environments
  • Wearing hearing protection in noisy areas, and if using foam earplugs, inserting them correctly40
  • When listening to music or other media, keeping the volume at a safe level and only listening in areas that are quiet

Ototoxic chemicals also pose a risk for developing hearing loss, particularly in industrial work environments. You can reduce or eliminate your exposure to chemicals that may damage your hearing by:

  • Using less toxic or non-toxic chemicals
  • Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling chemicals
  • Wearing a respirator or other protective equipment as appropriate
  • Reading and following all chemical safety instructions

Coping with hearing loss

Dealing with hearing loss can be difficult—it often makes it harder to communicate with others.

The following are some tips41 for helping you to communicate more easily if you have hearing loss:

  • Tell your friends and family: Let others know that you have some hearing loss. This may help them to be more aware of how they communicate with you.
  • Position yourself to hear: Face the person you’re talking to during conversation.
  • Turn off background noise: Noise from devices like televisions may interfere with conversation.
  • Ask others to speak more clearly, not more loudly: Most people will be accommodating if they know you’re having trouble hearing them.
  • Try to have the other person’s attention before speaking: Avoid trying to converse with someone in a different room or someone who is far away.
  • Choose quiet settings: When in public, choose places to talk that are away from noisy or bustling areas.
  • Consider using an assistive listening device: Hearing devices like TV-listening systems or phone-amplifying devices, smartphone or tablet apps, and closed-circuit systems in public places can help you hear better while decreasing interference from environmental noise.

Medication for hearing loss

There are no medications that can cure hearing loss. Hearing loss is generally irreversible, but attempts to improve hearing can involve surgical procedures, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.

Acute otitis media42, or middle ear infection, can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections. It is important to visit a prescriber if you suspect that you have an ear infection in order to avoid developing complications that can lead to permanent hearing loss.

May be prescribed

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A sudden loss of hearing—particularly in one ear—may call for immediate medical attention. As always, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider or a specialist when you experience any new or worsened symptoms of hearing loss.


Disclaimer: The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

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