If a hearing loss is ignored or untreated, it can get worse. But a hearing loss that is identified early can be helped through treatment, such as hearing aids, certain medicines, and surgery. Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem [...]

Hearing loss happens for many reasons. Some people lose their hearing slowly as they age. This condition is called presbycusis. Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families. Another cause is the ear infection otitis media, which can lead to long-term hearing loss if it is not treated.

If your hearing loss is severe and of a certain type, your doctor may suggest that you talk to a surgeon who specializes in ear, nose, and throat diseases, called an otolaryngologist, about a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that the surgeon places under the skin and behind the ear. [...]

Other devices also can help you hear in certain listening environments. TV listening systems help you listen to the television or the radio without being bothered by other noises around you. Some hearing aids can be plugged into TVs, stereos, microphones, and personal FM systems to help you hear better. Some telephones work with certain [...]

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that makes sounds louder to the wearer. Hearing aids come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Some hearing aids fit inside the outer ear or the ear canal, while others fit behind the ear. Unfortunately, only 20 percent of people who could benefit from a hearing aid [...]

Your doctor can recommend strategies to help reduce the effects of a hearing loss. There are a number of treatments available, including hearing aids and other devices that can help you hear better.

If you think that you have a hearing problem, schedule an appointment with your family doctor. In some cases, he or she can identify the problem and prescribe treatment. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist. This doctor and surgeon has special training in problems of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. An [...]

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem and may need to have your hearing checked by a doctor. * Do I have a problem hearing on the telephone? * Do I have trouble hearing when there is noise in the [...]

If earwax blockage is a problem for you, ear, nose, and throat doctors recommend using mild treatments such as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial ear drops to soften earwax. If you suspect that you may have a hole in your eardrum, however, you should consult a doctor before using such products. Source: U.S. [...]

If you take medication, ask your doctor if your medicine is ototoxic, or damaging to the ear. Ask if other drugs can be used instead. If not, ask if the dose can be safely reduced. Sometimes it cannot. However your doctor will help you get the medicine you need while trying to reduce unwanted side [...]