More than 40 million American adults experience hearing loss, which can happen at any age. The good news is that improved treatments enable patients to maintain their hearing.

Signs of hearing loss

Knowing whether you’re losing your hearing can be difficult. And patients, for a variety of reasons, may not always be the best judge. Primary care providers (PCPs) can be incredibly helpful in identifying whether you’re losing your hearing.

Patients should take note if they experience diminished hearing

• After a head trauma 
• Amid frequent ear infections
• In one ear but not the other
• Without changes in elevation 
• With trouble balancing

A PCP will conduct simple exams, like a whisper test, if they suspect a hearing problem, and, if necessary, refer patients to audiologists.  

Treatment options 

How your hearing loss is treated depends on the type of hearing loss that’s occurred. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when nerves aren’t functioning properly, while conductive hearing loss refers to problems with inner ear bones and wax buildup. Patients may experience both.

Hearing aids

Hearing aids are more accessible than ever thanks to an FDA rule change that made them available at drugstores without a prescription. 

Hearing-aid technology has come a long way. Today, they’re noninvasive and more advanced, many include technology like Bluetooth. And the earlier they’re used, if appropriate, the better. They can quickly improve a person’s quality of life and even stave off the need for surgery.

Earwax removal

Impacted earwax can lead to painful infections and impact your hearing. Primary care providers may prescribe ear drops to drain the wax or remove it in the office. If the earwax has a complex structure, they may refer you to a specialist to remove it. 

Surgery

Surgery is considered when hearing aids fail to help a patient. If the problem is a benign ear tumor, like an acoustic neuroma, surgeons can remove it. 

Patients with conductive hearing loss may undergo a stapedectomy, which involves replacing an inner ear bone with an artificial device.

Cochlear implant

For some, cochlear implantation might be recommended to treat sensorineural or advanced mixed hearing loss. Patients who struggle to hear and understand speech even with hearing aids may consider a cochlear implant.

Getting help with hearing loss

Hearing loss happens. But it shouldn’t be something to feel embarrassed by. If you or a family member feel you may have diminished hearing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a primary care provider for more information and evaluation.