Age-Related Hearing Loss Treatment Overview

When to see a healthcare provider

If you notice hearing loss, you should consider seeing an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). At the visit, it is likely they will refer you for a hearing test (audiogram).

This is important because while the vast majority of hearing loss is not dangerous, there are rare cases where there could be something more serious causing the loss.

Your doctor will likely discuss hearing aids. For very severe hearing loss, you may be a candidate for a surgery called a cochlear implantation.

Getting diagnosed

At your visit, the otolaryngologist will review your health history and any medications you’ve taken. They will examine your head, neck, and ears, and may use special instruments to look at your eardrum and middle ear.

It is likely they will also recommend a formal hearing test (audiogram) performed by a specialized hearing provider (audiologist). This is done in a soundproof booth, where specific levels and frequencies of hearing are tested. You will probably be asked to repeat the test every 1–2 years to monitor your hearing loss.

In some cases, you may need imaging (CT scan or MRI) of your middle and inner ear.

What to expect at your doctor visit

For routine age-related hearing loss, your doctors may discuss using hearing aids. Hearing aids carry sounds from the environment into your ear and make them louder. There are a range of types, including completely in your ear, partially in your ear, and on your outer ear. There are now even very small, almost invisible hearing aids. Hearing aids vary in price, sophistication, and size, and each style has pros and cons. It’s important to talk to your provider about which type may be best for you.

Surgery for hearing loss

If hearing aids don’t help you, an audiologist or otolaryngologist may discuss whether you’re a candidate for a cochlear implant. Instead of making sounds louder (amplifying), these implants bypass damaged parts of your ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve.

Types of providers for hearing loss

• A primary care provider can discuss your symptoms and recommend any next steps.
• An otolaryngologist is an ear, nose, and throat doctor (also called an ENT) who can further evaluate and treat your condition.
• An audiologist (hearing specialist) performs formal hearing tests (audiograms) and can help with hearing aids.

How to manage hearing loss at home

If your hearing loss is bad enough that it impacts your ability to have conversations or your quality of life, you may need hearing aids. There are other ways you can help manage changes in your hearing.

• Keep the volume on earbuds or headphones at a low volume.
• Use ear protection when around loud noises or environments (concerts, travel noise).
• Make sure that your work environment follows OSHA recommendations for hearing protection.
• If you have hearing aids, it is important that you use them.
• Use closed captioning along with volume when watching television
• Always speak to someone when facing them. Having both audio and visual cues can make it easier to understand what someone is saying.

Wellness and prevention

The best way to prevent or reduce age-related hearing loss is good hearing hygiene. This includes:

• Avoiding very loud environments, like concerts, loud factories or machinery, or even repeatedly shooting firearms
• Keeping headphone volume low
• A good rule of thumb is that if after a noise exposure your ears are ringing or your hearing is decreased temporarily, then this exposure was too loud and likely caused some level of damage to your inner ear.
• Keeping under control any chronic medical conditions you have can help prevent your hearing from getting worse. For example, poorly controlled diabetes or uncontrolled blood pressure can increase the risk of poor blood flow to your inner ear.
• Discuss hearing screening tests with your primary care provider.