the buildup of wax. A few of the tests you may undergo are the whisper test, tuning fork test, and audiometer test.
These tests will be used to determine the type of hearing loss you’re dealing with. The three options are conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or a combination of the two.
In the first category, something is preventing sound vibrations from moving from the outer ear to the inner ear. The second category means that there is some kind of dysfunction or abnormality in the inner ear.
How Hearing Loss Is Treated
The route for treating hearing loss is dependent on the cause. If there is an underlying condition, then your doctor will focus on treating that while managing the hearing loss.
In cases where there’s a build-up of wax, removing it and ensuring that it doesn’t happen again is usually the recommended course of action. For those who have an abnormality in the ear, there are surgical options that can repair the problem and restore some of your hearing.
However, there are some cases of severe hearing loss where the condition can’t be reversed. That’s when your doctor is likely to suggest getting a hearing aid or cochlear implant to help you hear what’s going on around you.
Since cochlear implants bypass the damaged portions of your ear, they can also be useful for those with profound hearing loss depending on where the damage is.
Hearing loss can affect anyone but it can be treated. The important thing is getting the issue addressed quickly. If you’re having any signs of hearing loss, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. In the meantime, make sure to protect your ears from loud noises.