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Hearing Loss Treatment

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss may affect people of all ages and can range from mild to profound. It can be temporary or permanent and its effects vary depending on which part of the ear is involved.

The three main types of hearing loss are conductive, sensorineural and mixed. Each type requires different management strategies. Common challenges include trouble hearing people in noisy environments or needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio.

Many people develop hearing loss gradually over time, particularly with age or repeated exposure to loud background noise. Others may experience sudden deafness due to trauma, infection or inner ear dysfunction.

Fortunately, with the right treatment, many forms of hearing loss can be successfully managed or improved. A treatment plan may involve hearing devices, hearing implants or other surgical intervention. At Complete ENT, our team can discuss the right treatment plan for you.

Understanding Hearing Loss

Types Of Hearing Loss

Types Of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear structures or auditory/hearing nerve. It can be related to aging, noise exposure, medications or certain medical conditions.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked in the outer or middle ear. Common causes include earwax build-up, fluid including infections or abnormal bone growth.

Mixed hearing loss involves both conductive and sensorineural components.

Sudden-onset hearing loss refers to a rapid decrease in hearing ability, occurring over a short period, typically within 72 hours.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Causes Of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most prevalent form of permanent hearing loss, resulting from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that transmit sound signals to the brain. This condition can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly. If occurring suddenly it requires prompt medical attention to optimise outcomes.

SNHL can arise from various factors, including:

  • Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis): A natural decline in hearing ability as part of the aging process.
  • Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Prolonged or sudden exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the cochlea. These hair cells are essential for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.
  • Ototoxic medications: Certain drugs, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy agents, can harm inner ear structures.
  • Genetic factors: Inherited conditions may affect the development or function of the inner ear.
  • Infections: Viral infections like measles, mumps, or meningitis can lead to inner ear damage.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions where the immune system attacks the inner ear.
  • Head trauma: Injuries to the head can affect inner ear structures or auditory pathways.
  • Tumours: Growths such as acoustic neuromas can affect the auditory nerve.

Individuals with SNHL may experience:

  • Muffled hearing: Sounds may seem less clear or sharp.
  • Difficulty hearing and understanding speech: Especially in noisy environments.
  • Tinnitus: A ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears.
  • Vertigo or balance issues: Particularly if the vestibular system is involved.

Diagnosis of SNHL involves a comprehensive hearing assessment, including:

  • Audiometry: Tests to measure hearing sensitivity across various frequencies. An audiogram will measure air conduction as well as bone conduction thresholds. In SNHL, there is no significant air-bone gap.
  • Tympanometry: Evaluates middle ear function.
  • Imaging studies: MRI or CT scans may be used to identify structural causes such as tumours.

To reduce the risk of SNHL:

  • Protect your ears: Use ear protection in noisy environments.
  • Monitor medication use: Be aware of the ototoxic potential of certain medications.
  • Manage health conditions: Control chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
  • Regular hearing check-ups: Especially if you are over 50 or have risk factors.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss Causes

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are impeded from reaching the inner ear due to issues in the outer and middle ear. Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, which involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, conductive hearing loss often results from physical obstructions or abnormalities.

Conductive hearing loss often leaves residual hearing intact and is often treatable. Understanding the underlying causes is essential for effective treatment.

Conductive hearing loss can arise from various factors, including:

  • Ear Infections: Conditions like otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear canal infection) can cause a blockage of sound transmission through the outer ear canal and middle ear.
  • Earwax Build-up: Excessive cerumen can block the ear canal, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum.
  • Foreign Objects: Insertion of objects into the ear canal, common in children, can obstruct the sound passage.
  • Eardrum Perforation: A tympanic membrane perforation can disrupt the normal vibration process essential for hearing.
  • Otosclerosis: An abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, particularly affecting the stapes bone, can impede its movement, leading to hearing loss.
  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Blockage or dysfunction can lead to pressure imbalances and fluid accumulation in the middle ear.
  • Cholesteatoma: An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum can erode surrounding structures and disrupt hearing.
  • Congenital: Conditions like microtia (underdeveloped outer ear) or atresia (absence of the ear canal) can cause conductive hearing loss from birth.

Individuals with conductive hearing loss may experience:

  • Muffled Hearing: Sounds may seem faint or less clear.
  • Sudden or Gradual Hearing Loss: Depending on the cause, hearing loss can occur abruptly or worsen over time.
  • Fullness in the Ear: A sensation of pressure or blockage.
  • Ear Pain or Discomfort: Especially if infections are present.
  • Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear.
  • Dizziness or Balance Issues: If the vestibular system is affected.

A thorough evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist is crucial. Diagnostic procedures may include:

  • Otoscopy: Visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum.
  • Audiometry: Hearing tests to determine the degree and type of hearing loss.
  • Tympanometry: Assessment of eardrum movement to detect middle ear problems.
  • Imaging Studies: CT or MRI scans may be used to identify structural abnormalities.

Hearing Loss in Children

At Complete ENT, we provide expert diagnosis and management of hearing loss in children, from infancy through adolescence. Paediatric hearing loss may result from ear infections, fluid in the middle ear (glue ear), congenital conditions or temporary blockages such as wax. Early detection is vital to support speech and language development, learning and social skills.

Our team is experienced in working with children and offers:

  • Gentle, age-appropriate hearing assessments
  • Management of recurring ear infections or glue ear, including ear grommets surgery
  • Advice on hearing aids or surgical solutions if required
  • Ongoing support for families navigating hearing-related concerns

If you’re concerned about your child’s hearing, our Cairns and Brisbane Paediatric ENT specialists are here to help. 

Hearing Loss in Children

What Treatments Are Recommended For Hearing Loss?

What Treatments Are Recommended For Hearing Loss?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the type of hearing loss. Your treatment may include one or more of the following:

  • Medical Treatments: Antibiotics or antifungal medications for infections. In cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, treatment requires corticosteroids, administered orally or via intratympanic injection. This will reduce inflammation and swelling in the inner ear, potentially restoring some hearing if initiated promptly.
    Find out more about treatment for sensorineural hearing loss with our handy guide.
  • Hearing Aids: Amplification devices can be beneficial, especially when surgery isn’t an option or while awaiting surgical intervention.
  • Surgical Interventions: Types of ear surgery for hearing loss include procedures like tympanoplasty or myringoplasty (eardrum repair), ossiculoplasty (repair of middle ear bones), or stapedectomy (removal of the stapes bone in otosclerosis). 
  • Cochlear and other hearing Implants: For individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids, cochlear or other hearing implant surgery may be recommended.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment:

Sudden loss of hearing is characterised by a rapid loss of hearing, typically in one ear, occurring over a period of up to 72 hours. It is considered a medical emergency, and immediate evaluation by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist is crucial. Prompt treatment can improve the chances of partial or full recovery.

Treatment Options:

  • Corticosteroids: Immediate treatment with corticosteroids, either orally or via intratympanic injection, is the standard approach to reduce inflammation and improve the chance of hearing recovery.
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be employed as an adjunct treatment to enhance oxygen supply to the inner ear.
  • Prompt Medical Attention: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as delays can significantly reduce the likelihood of full hearing recovery.

When Is Surgery Necessary For Hearing Loss?

When Is Surgery Necessary For Hearing Loss

Hearing loss surgery is not universally required for treating all cases. The necessity for surgical intervention depends on the specific type and cause of hearing impairment. A thorough evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Conductive Hearing Loss Surgery

Surgical intervention is often effective in conductive hearing loss treatment, especially when caused by:

  • Ventilation tubes: By far the most common cause of conductive hearing loss is middle ear fluid and the most common surgical treatment for this are ventilation tubes, also known as grommets.
  • Chronic Ear Infections: Persistent infections may necessitate procedures like tympanoplasty to repair the eardrum or ossiculoplasty to reconstruct the ossicles.
  • Otosclerosis: This condition involves abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, and a stapedectomy can replace the immobilised stapes bone with a prosthesis to restore hearing.
  • Eardrum Perforations: Surgical repair can close perforations, improving hearing and preventing recurrent infections.
  • Structural Abnormalities: Congenital malformations or trauma-induced deformities may be corrected surgically to restore normal hearing pathways.

Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways. While most cases are not amenable to surgical correction, certain interventions may be considered:

  • Cochlear Implants: For individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants can bypass damaged inner ear structures to directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
  • Tumour Removal: In rare cases, surgical removal of benign tumours like acoustic neuromas may be necessary to preserve hearing and balance functions.

Mixed hearing loss involves both conductive and sensorineural components. Surgical treatment may address the conductive aspect, while hearing aids or cochlear implants manage the sensorineural component.

How Can Complete ENT Help?

How can Complete ENT help

At Complete ENT, our team of Cairns and Brisbane-based ENT specialists are conductive and sensorineural hearing loss specialists. If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, we encourage you to book an appointment. Early assessment leads to better outcomes, and your journey toward improved hearing starts here.

No matter what causes hearing loss for you, Complete ENT can develop and manage your treatment plan. Whether you’re experiencing trouble hearing people, have persistent difficulty hearing in background noise or have been told you need a hearing test performed, we’re here to help.

We Offer:

  • Emergency management for sudden deafness
  • Support and management for adults and children who have all forms of hearing loss

Ear Surgery & Hearing Loss Specialists Brisbane & Cairns

Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals experiencing hearing loss. Our team of highly qualified otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) offers a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services tailored to both adults and children.

Our multidisciplinary team comprises specialists with subspecialty interests in various aspects of ear health. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives care from a specialist best suited to their specific condition.

Complete ENT operates multiple clinics across South East Queensland and Cairns, ensuring accessible care for our patients.

Discuss Your Options with our Hearing Loss Specialists at Complete ENT

Head And Neck Cancer Specialists Brisbane & Cairns

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