Primary Care
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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
“Part of our job as primary care providers is to look out for hearing loss even if the patient doesn’t readily complain of it,” says Dr. Rukan Ahmed.
He says 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
Dr. Ahmed says he’ll conduct simple exams like a whisper test if he suspects a hearing problem, and, if necessary, refer patients to audiologists for further analysis.
Treatment options
“Treatments depend on the patient’s type of hearing loss,” explains Dr. Ahmed. 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.
“I like hearing aids because they’re noninvasive and more advanced now,” Dr. Ahmed says. “When patients start with hearing aids earlier on, they can improve their quality of life and keep the idea of surgery at bay.”
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 patients are still struggling even with hearing aids,” Dr. Ahmed says. 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
“Cochlear implantation is a viable option to treat sensorineural or advanced mixed hearing loss,” says Dr. Ahmed. Patients who struggle to hear and understand speech even with hearing aids may consider a cochlear implant.