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Are Hearing Aids Advisable When Having Hearing Loss Issues?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Mar 2015
Question: Hi, A specialist performed a microscopy of my ears. Having rather narrow ear canals and a degree of hair growing from the pinna into the external auditory canal catching some wax, he dewaxed both tympanic membranes on the right side particularly. He said that because of the narrow ear canals, it was difficult to see the tympanic membranes completely. Would it be possible to dewax the left tympanic membrane, through surgery? I am 73 years and my hearing is quite good except when it comes to hearing "f", "th", "t" and "s" sounds especially in a meeting situation. Do you think it would worthwhile to put this question to him? He did not specifically recommend a hearing aid, but when I raised the subject left it up to me to decide. I am very reluctant to do so except as a last resort and feel there may be another option especially if the problem is conductive hearing loss. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards.
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Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Earwax removal under microscope,not surgery. Presbyacusis. Hearing Aid/BAHA

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. It should be possible to remove all the ear wax under a microscope without surgery. This will be easier after you have used wax softening ear drops.

2. You are not able to hear consonants which is a common problem with Presbyacusis (age related hearing loss) which affects the higher frequencies. This is a sensorineural hearing loss with a slope to right. Clarity of speech is lost as only the vowel sounds are heard better. Get a Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) done.

3. A digital programmable hearing aid trial should be done. Other options (depending upon the audiogram) are using a smartphone with hearing aid software and BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid).

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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Are Hearing Aids Advisable When Having Hearing Loss Issues?

Brief Answer: Earwax removal under microscope,not surgery. Presbyacusis. Hearing Aid/BAHA Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. It should be possible to remove all the ear wax under a microscope without surgery. This will be easier after you have used wax softening ear drops. 2. You are not able to hear consonants which is a common problem with Presbyacusis (age related hearing loss) which affects the higher frequencies. This is a sensorineural hearing loss with a slope to right. Clarity of speech is lost as only the vowel sounds are heard better. Get a Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) done. 3. A digital programmable hearing aid trial should be done. Other options (depending upon the audiogram) are using a smartphone with hearing aid software and BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid). I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.