Treatment for hearing and audiology problems depends on the nature of the cause of the problem. Conductive hearing loss can usually be treated using medication or surgery, while sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and may require a long-term treatment. If hearing loss is associated with a blockage or an infection, these will be treated first and the individual’s hearing may improve once the infection or blockage have cleared.
If hearing loss is permanent, there are still a range of treatments, which may help people to hear; these include:
- Hearing aids: there is a variety of hearing aids available, including digital and analogue hearing aids. There are also different styles, including behind the ear hearing aids, in the ear hearing aids and completely in the canal hearing aid.
- Cochlear implant: a cochlear implant is a tiny device which is implanted into the ear. It is used to help people with profound deafness or severe hearing problems. A cochlear implant works by processing sounds and turning them into signals, which are then sent to the brain.
Sign language
Sign language is an effective means of communication for people with hearing and audiology impairment. People use signs instead of words to communicate; different signs represent different words, actions and letters. Many people who have hearing problems also rely on lip reading to understand what other people are saying. However, this is very difficult for people who were born with profound deafness.
Recent Comments