To choose the best hearing impairment treatment, you should obtain a comprehensive examination by a qualified hearing specialist. Your treatment will depend upon the extent of your hearing loss. Your doctor may recommend various procedures or aids to help you cope with your condition. Treatment may also prevent your hearing impairment from worsening. If your primary care physician determines that your hearing impairment requires treatment from a specialist, you should find a doctor who can provide the best options available.
Depending upon your specific problem, your doctor may recommend you see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). Technically, this specialist is called an otolaryngologist. Although these specialists are trained to treat conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, they do not typically focus on hearing. If your problem stems from a less serious condition of the middle ear, an ENT may be a good choice to treat your symptoms.
If, however, your physician has diagnosed a more advanced condition involving the inner ear, he may recommend that you be examined by an otologist or neurotologist. This type of doctor specializes in more advanced conditions involving hearing loss. He can help to evaluate your unique condition and prescribe the best hearing impairment treatment options.
To find a specialist to serve your needs, you can ask your primary care physician for a recommendation. These specialists are generally very busy, however, and see a large number of patients regularly. You may have to wait weeks or even months, in some cases, to get an appointment. If you are a resident of the United States or Canada, the American Academy of Otolaryngology has a website that could provide information on hearing impairment treatment.
After finding a doctor with whom you are comfortable, it shouldn't be too difficult to determine the best options for hearing impairment treatment. Initially, your doctor may suggest a hearing aid to help you manage your hearing loss. If this method works well, you may not require any further treatment. Many insurance plans may cover expenses of hearing devices, so be sure to check for details.
Depending upon your particular symptoms and the condition causing your hearing problem, your physician may recommend other options for you to consider as well. He may prescribe medications to treat an infection or build up of inner ear wax. If he diagnoses fluid build-up inside the ear, he may also recommend the placement of a ventilation tube inside the ear. As you are faced with different options, it is best to ask many questions. Consider the pros and cons, and ask about risks you face.
If you are facing surgery or another invasive procedure such as a cochlear implant, you may want to seek another opinion. Don't be hesitant or shy about informing your doctor you would prefer a second opinion, as it is your privilege to do so. You can also find additional information by using resources on the Internet.