As with other forms of hearing impairment, treatment of conductive hearing loss starts with a visit to the doctor. Schedule an appointment with either an audiologist or a general practitioner, and have them examine your ears. If a physical exam does not reveal any apparent cause, the doctor may ask you questions about your hearing loss or use an audiogram.
The good news is typically all but the most severe cases of conductive hearing loss are treatable and reversible, provided they're diagnosed soon enough. Treatment differs greatly based on what's causing the hearing impairment. Your options may include:
- Flushing out debris or dissolving excess earwax.
- A round of prescribed antibiotics.
- A surgical procedure to remove obstructions such as tumors.
- Topical cream for skin conditions.
In cases where your conductive hearing loss is either permanent or the cause has been present long enough to cause permanent damage, treatment is the same as with any other type of hearing impairment. Your audiologist may prescribe you a hearing aid or recommend that you receive cochlear implant surgery. Whether or not you follow through with these recommendations is entirely up to you.
Ultimately, if you suspect you're suffering from conductive hearing loss, contact a medical professional. Even if you can identify the source of your hearing impairment as a blockage in your ears, do not, under any circumstances, attempt to remove this blockage yourself. Jamming fingers or other foreign objects into your ear can not only damage your ear canal, but it can also puncture your eardrum if you are careless.
Wait to speak to a professional who can view your ear properly, and has the necessary training to know what needs to be done.