Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss - Often Treatable
Conductive hearing loss is when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear. This often occurs due to a blockage or other medical issue somewhere within the ear.
Some common causes include earwax buildup, ear infections, a hole or tear in the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear (cholesteatoma).
Someone with this type of hearing loss may have trouble hearing soft sounds, feel fullness in their ear, experience muffled hearing, or have pain in the ear.
The good news? This type of hearing loss is often temporary and usually treated with minor medical or surgical intervention.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss - Typically Permanent
The most common type of permanent hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). It’s also the type that people are most familiar with — the one most often linked to aging.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs with damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways that send signals to the brain. Someone may struggle to understand conversations or hear muffled sounds.
In addition to aging, other causes include loud noise exposure, genetics, head injuries, and some medications and illnesses.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Did you know that you can have both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss? Mixed hearing loss occurs when there’s an issue with the inner ear, and outer or middle ear
Head and ear trauma and genetics can cause mixed hearing loss. It can also occur, for example, if someone has age-related hearing loss (SNHL) and an ear infection (conductive).
If you have any symptoms of sensorineural or conductive hearing loss, have your hearing checked as soon as possible. Earlier treatment is key in protecting your hearing ability.
Hearing Loss Is Reversible in Certain Circumstances
Blockages or earwax buildup
Infections or fluid in the ear
If you experience sudden hearing loss, also called sudden sensorineural hearing loss, emergency treatment, in a timely manner, is crucial to preserve your hearing. If the cause is known, it can often be treated.
Some of the causes include but aren’t limited circulation issues, head injury, Ménière’s disease, multiple sclerosis, some infections diseases, and certain medications.
When Hearing Loss Is Permanent
Over 1.5 billion people worldwide are impacted by hearing loss, and it’s mostly sensorineural.* Once it occurs, the damage to the inner ear cells cannot be reversed.
Some of the main causes of permanent hearing loss include:
Older age (hearing loss due to age is also known as “presbycusis”)
Sudden or long-term noise exposure
Inner ear damage from medications, illnesses, trauma, or genetics
Treatments for Hearing Loss
Hearing aids
Modern hearing aids make everyday sounds clearer and more natural. For most people with sensorineural hearing loss, they’re the go-to solution.
Cochlear implants
For severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be a better option. This device works by sending sound signals straight to the hearing nerve.
Assistive listening devices
When used with hearing aids or implants, these tools can make it much easier to follow conversations in places like busy restaurants, meetings, or large rooms.
Surgery or medical treatment
If hearing loss is conductive, meaning it’s treatable, medication or surgery is often the solution for restoring hearing.
No matter what level of hearing loss you have, protecting the hearing you have left now is key for long-term hearing health. Here are five ways to protect your hearing:
- Use earplugs when exposed to loud noises, such as concerts, lawn tools, and construction equipment.
- Lower the volume in your earbuds and headphones to 60% of the max volume.
- Have regular hearing screenings to catch issues earlier when they are easier to treat.
- Stay active and manage stress for healthy blood flow.
- Treat hearing loss as soon as you notice it. The longer it goes untreated, the harder it is to treat, and it can lead to other health issues.
Can Hearing Aids Reverse My Hearing Loss?
While hearing aids can help you hear sounds you’ve been missing with hearing loss, they can’t cure or reverse permanent hearing loss. But don’t let that discourage you.
Hearing aids help you stay active and connected to what you love. Good hearing has a positive impact on the entire body, too, including the brain, heart, and overall wellbeing.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean a loss of connection or less active life. People with hearing loss can lead full and fulfilling lives with the right treatment and support.
