Whether it’s because of age, too much noise or certain types of illnesses, almost everyone will experience temporary or permanent hearing loss during our lives. While many types of hearing loss are not reversible, there are some cases in which hearing loss can be treated naturally.
Below, we have summarized some of the most common types of hearing loss, which can be treated naturally and which can not. Keep in mind that, with any type of hearing loss, it is always recommended that you consult a medical professional or visit a vital hearing center for an initial examination.
Types of hearing loss that can be treated naturally.
Hearing loss caused by excess earwax
An overproduction of cerumen can easily accumulate in the ear canal, which reduces hearing, but the good news is that it is reversible. Although the most frequent is to use cotton swabs, they are not recommended. These wax removal methods can cause additional damage and injury, such as burns, additional obstruction of the ear canal and even perforations.
You can buy a cerumen removal kit in a pharmacy or you can consult one of our centers to analyze other options, and see if it really is accumulated cerumen.
Hearing loss caused by a foreign body
Debris lodged in the ear canal can also cause a temporary loss of hearing. Children are the most likely to suffer from this problem. Fortunately, reversing this type of hearing loss is relatively simple. The treatment of hearing loss for a blocked auditory canal sometimes requires a visit to the doctor so that they can remove the foreign body safely and without causing additional damage.
Types of hearing loss that can be treated with medications
Hearing loss caused by an infection of the outer ear
Sometimes a bacterial infection can form in the external auditory canal. Fortunately, this type of hearing loss is almost never permanent. Go to your medical center if you feel pain or itching. Medications may be prescribed to reverse the hearing loss, pain, and itching that may be caused by the infection.
Hearing loss caused by an infection in the middle ear
An infection of the middle ear is much more painful than an infection of the outer ear. It is caused by a virus and significantly reduces your ability to hear. Like an external ear infection, you can reverse your hearing loss with proper medication to relieve pain and restore hearing.
Hearing loss caused by an injured eardrum
A perforated eardrum can be caused by a variety of reasons including: damage caused by foreign bodies, middle ear infections, a blow to the ear or loud noise. An injured eardrum can heal naturally over time if it stays dry, but if the eardrum does not heal on its own, surgery can be performed to restore hearing.
Types of hearing loss that you can NOT treat naturally
Hearing loss caused by otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a disease that affects the bone that surrounds the inner ear. This inflammatory process causes an abnormal bone to form and impacts the stapes bone, the smallest bone in the human body. Over time, there may be hearing loss and tinnitus. Unfortunately, this disease can not be treated with medications, but surgery can be performed to restore your previous natural hearing abilities in this case.
Hearing loss caused by aging
Age-related hearing loss often occurs between the ages of 45 to 65 years. Normally both ears are affected and is caused by damage to the fragile hair cells in the cochlea, which ultimately leads to a reduced signal to the auditory nerve. There are no natural remedies for hearing loss caused by aging, but hearing can be improved with the use of hearing aids.
Hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma
A loud noise, such as an explosion or a shot, can cause hearing loss. The good news is that it will usually reset itself in a matter of hours or even a couple of days, but sometimes permanent damage can occur. In these cases, modern hearing aids and current hearing technology can help restore even serious hearing losses caused by acoustic trauma.
Hearing loss caused by the toxicity of nerve cells
Ototoxicity, nerve cell toxicity, describes the harmful effects of certain substances in the inner ear. Sometimes, hearing damage can be cured with the continuation of drug therapy. However, if the nerve cells are affected, the damage may become permanent. If this is the case, hearing aids are a good option to help significantly improve this problem.
