If you are experiencing hearing loss, it’s normal to wonder whether or not it’s reversible. In most cases, hearing loss is a permanent condition. However, certain types of hearing loss can be reversed.
Temporary Hearing Loss 
Most causes of temporary hearing loss are due to something blocking the middle ear. This blockage could be due to fluid from an ear infection or a foreign object stuck in your ear canal. When a blockage is causing your hearing loss, it’s known as conductive hearing loss.
Other causes of temporary hearing loss include:
- Ruptured or perforated eardrum
- Earwax buildup
- Malformations of the bones or cartilage in your ear
- A side effect of certain medications
Treating the cause of temporary hearing loss can return your hearing back to normal. This may include taking antibiotics, having a specialist perform earwax removal, or in some cases, having surgery to remove or repair any blockages or malformations.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Sometimes Be Reversed
In addition to conductive hearing loss, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can sometimes be reversed with prompt medical treatment.
As the name suggests, sudden hearing loss comes on quickly within a matter of a few hours to a few days. While a cause cannot always be determined, some of the known causes of SSHL include the following:
- Trauma to the head or ear
- Viral illness
- Autoimmune conditions
- Disorders that affect blood flow to the ear
- Tumors in the ear
- Some medications
Prompt pharmacological intervention for sudden hearing loss is essential to restoring your hearing. Treatment consists of several weeks of corticosteroid medication. Mild to moderate cases of SSHL that are treated quickly can often be reversed. However, the more severe the hearing loss or the longer you wait to get treated, the more likely it is that at least some hearing loss will become permanent.
How To Know What Kind of Hearing Loss You Have
If you’ve noticed trouble hearing while at work or when catching up with friends at Offset Coffee, make an appointment with a hearing specialist. They will ask about your symptoms and examine your ears and perform a hearing test.
Your treatment options will depend on the type of hearing loss you have. If any amount of hearing loss is permanent, treatments like hearing aids can help greatly improve your ability to process sounds in any environment and continue to stay connected to what’s important to you.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Torrance Audiology today.