Though living with severe hearing loss can be difficult, it is not without its treatment methods. Often, when individuals first experience severe hearing loss, physicians will examine the patient for blockages, which can typically be easily removed. Other common treatments for severe hearing loss include using hearing aids, cochlear implants, receiving education, and using hearing dogs.
When treating severe hearing loss, one of the first steps often taking by doctors is examining the ear or ears for wax blockages. These are often a major cause of severe hearing loss in adults. By placing a small amount of oil in the ear to loosen the blockage, doctors can typically then remove the wax buildup through flushing, scooping, and suctioning. In severe cases of wax buildup, some doctors may be required to perform minor surgery on the patient suffering from the wax buildup.
One of the most common forms of treatment for severe hearing loss includes the use of hearing aids. According to some research, children as young as four weeks old may benefit from the use of a hearing aid, though they are often restricted to the type of hearing aid that fits behind the ear, as opposed to those that are actually in the ear itself. It is important to remember, however, that it may take a significant period of time and plenty of experimentation to find a hearing aid that works best.
Another popular form of treatment for severe hearing loss are cochlear implants. As opposed to hearing aids, which simply amplify sounds, cochlear implants work by reversing the effects of damage within the inner ear. While cochlear implants often seem like a good option, they are not without risk. Studies have shown that those who choose cochlear implants face a significant risk of developing bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening condition.
Those who are diagnosed with severe hearing loss at a young age are often encouraged to turn to education as a way to learn how to thrive despite the condition. While American Sign Language is typically the most commonly recommended form of education, speech therapy and lip-reading is often also encouraged. Typically, these educational tools are provided at little to no cost to those who are suffering with severe hearing loss.
Hearing dogs are another great option for those with severe hearing loss. As the name suggests, like seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs are trained to respond to sounds, and alert their masters to them. This helps the sufferer of severe hearing loss to be more independent and able to see to his or her own needs.
