Depending on what type of hearing disorder you suffer from, surgery may or may not provide the answer. Indeed, physicians do recommend surgical solutions for the hearing-impaired in some instances.
To begin with, let’s look at the 3 types of hearing loss:
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This is a nerve-related hearing loss, where patients have issues in the inner ear.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Here, the problems are due to issues with the eardrum, ear canal, or the middle ear and bones present there.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: Patients with mixed hearing loss have issues with the inner ear as well as the outer and middle ear.
What Hearing Loss Type is Suitable for Surgical Treatments?
Physicians recommend surgical solutions for the hearing-impaired in some instances. As all hearing disorders have different causes, surgery may or may not be a viable option. In general, people with conductive hearing loss are more likely to receive surgical treatment. While surgical treatments for sensorineural hearing loss may be a good option, other treatments are more common.
What Are the Surgical Solutions for the Hearing-Impaired?
In people who have conductive hearing loss, surgeons may correct the structural damage to the ear. This can involve opening the ear canal, removing tumors, surgically treating chronic ear infections or chronic middle ear fluid. Also, surgeons may place an osseointegrated device or conventional hearing aid into the ear.
If a patient has suffered hearing damage through head trauma, surgery may also be the solution. Furthermore, surgery is also a viable option for people suffering from otosclerosis, which is a congenital hearing condition.
Some types of sensorineural hearing loss may also have surgical solutions. If the sensorineural hearing loss is due to a tumor or rupture of the inner ear fluid compartment, surgery may be the way to go.
Final Thoughts
While many types of hearing loss are suitable for treatment with medication, there are indeed surgical solutions for the hearing-impaired. It’s best to check with your physician to identify the best treatment for your hearing loss.
