hearing loss?

Question

Hi,

I had a examination of my both ears. The doctor told me i had slightly hearing loss in the left hear. Other than my hears are fine. I was wondering what can be done? Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi Sara!
Protect your hearing at all cost. Like all things, you don't know what it's worth until it's gone.
If you are not sure, or comfortable, with your Doctor's initial diagnosis, seek another opinion.
Also, do you feel that the level of hearing loss you have is effecting your life in any way? Does it effect your ability to go about your life normally?
As to what can be done, that depends very much on what has/is causing the hearing loss.
I can say with intimate knowledge, once your hearing has gone, there is very little that can be done to return it to "normal".
I lost my hearing extremely suddenly and unexpectedly after getting a cold. The infection was that devastating, it just about completely destroyed the delicate hair folicles in my cochlear. I was given rapid steroid treatment, to try to stimulate some healing and growth, with very limited results.
I was fitted with 2 hearing aids, which gave me little benefit. I have since received a cochlear implant, and responding very well to my new way of hearing. All this has happened in the past 18 months.
But...it is not as good as natural hearing.
Most adults, in Australia it is about 1 in 6, have some level of hearing loss, and most know nothing about it.
My advise to you is simple.
If you aren't happy or sure, ask another professional, and keep asking until you understand, and accept, the diagnosis.
Protect and treasure what you have, and be aware of any change, no matter how small. If anything does change, see a specialist. Quick treatment can mean the world of difference.
Please value the fact that you CAN still hear, there are so many others out there who cannot.
All the best...

Answer 2

1.) Sarge is on the money with suggestion of protecting your hearing. Anytime you have ringing in your ears or a diagnosed hearing loss you need to be vigilant about wearing ear protection to clubs, concerts, mowing the lawn, using power tools etc. Try the ones from the drugstore. If you want to invest a little money you can see an audiologist and get custom ones made for about $50 to $100 for a pair (yes protect both ears even though only one ear has hearing loss). The cusom ones can be made in a clear material that is inconspicuous and people won't notice in your ear too much.
2.) Monitor your hearing and get it tested every one or two years. Hearing loss generally progresses usually very slowly. If you ever notice a sudden change in hearing see someone ASAP!

Answer 3

Nothing at this point. If the doc said you had "slight" hearing loss in one ear, don't sweat it. Now, if he said you have some condition that will result in progressive hearing loss, then you need to look into hearing aids or the possibility of ear surgery. Best thing to do now to protect yourself from further hearing loss is (a) don't listen to music too loud, and (b) wear hearing protection if you're in an environment where you'll be exposed to loud noises, like using power tools or going to concerts.

Answer 4

Do breathing exercise regularly: avoid loud noise, avoid cold air, cold food, cold water intake: protect from cold, generally! Ear infections should be guarded against: other than that, there is no room for undue worry, as slight hearing problem in one ear is common, and is not very significant!