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May 22, 2013
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Hearing Loss (cont.)

Medical Author:
Angelique S Kelly Campen, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Ron Fuerst, MD

Medical Treatment

  • If a foreign body is found in the ear canal, the doctor will try to take it out.

    • It can be removed by flushing the canal with water, using suction, or using forceps.

    • Cerumen (earwax) in the canal is removed by flushing the canal or scooping out the wax with special instruments.

    • If the wax is too hard to remove, the doctor may prescribe softening drops (also available over-the-counter) and have you return in a week to try to remove it again.

  • If infection is found, antibiotics will most likely be prescribed. Middle ear infections usually require pills, while infections of the ear canal can usually be treated with eardrops.

  • If the eardrum is perforated from an injury, no medicines will usually be prescribed. A follow-up visit with the same doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist or ENT) will be suggested. Eardrum perforation from an infection is usually treated with antibiotics.

  • If a problem is suspected with the bones of the middle ear or nerves, a referral will likely be made to a specialist such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

  • If the cause of the hearing loss is due to medications, the medication will be stopped or changed.

  • If there is a tumor, such as an acoustic neuroma, a referral to a neurosurgeon (a surgeon specializing in brain, spinal cord, or nerve surgery) or ear, nose, and throat specialist will be made.

  • If associated symptoms are troublesome (tinnitus, vertigo), anti-anxiety or motion sickness medication may be prescribed.

  • If Ménière disease is the suspected cause, antihistamines or nicotinic acid can sometimes be helpful. A low-salt diet may also be suggested.

  • Most causes of hearing loss do not require admission to the hospital.

Must Read Articles Related to Hearing Loss

Ear Tubes
Ear Tubes Ear infections are one of the most common infection in children. Environmental and anatomy problems occur and some children are prone to multiple ear infections...learn more >>
Earache
Earache Earache is pain in the ear. An earache can be caused by infections or fungus. There are types of ear infections to include otitis externa, otitis externa (swimm...learn more >>
Earwax
Earwax Earwax, or cerumen, is a substance produced by the glands in the outer ear. Earwax has a purpose, and that is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent...learn more >>
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Hearing Loss - Causes

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Inner Ear, Sudden Hearing Loss »

Definitions of sudden hearing loss have been based on severity, time course, audiometric criteria, and frequency spectrum of the loss.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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