If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves or lose track of a conversation because you can’t hear parts of it, you should get your hearing checked. Though deafness is typically associated with elderly people, it can affect men and women of all ages. Sadly, there is no cure for hearing loss or deafness. However, there are some forms of treatment that can improve you hearing.

These include:

Hearing aids
Hearing aids help improve hearing by amplifying sounds. There are many different types of hearing aids available nowadays. While some for fit inside the ear and are virtually invisible, others are fitted behind the ear. Some hearing aids simply amplify sounds while others help separate ambient noises from conversations. Only a doctor will be able to tell you which one would suit your needs the best. Hearing aids can take a little while to get used to, but the sooner you start wearing them, the smoother it will be to adapt to them.

Cochlear implants
The cochlea is situated in the inner ear and is responsible for sending the vibrations created by the eardrum to the auditory nerves. Deafness caused by improper function of this part of the ear is known as sensorineural hearing loss. People suffering from moderate to severe deafness can benefit from cochlear implants. These implants help transfer vibrations to the auditory nerves, thus enabling you to hear better than before.

Middle ear implants
People who suffer from low to moderate hearing loss and do not benefit from hearing aids may be advised to have middle ear implants. This involves fitting a small microphone piece just above the ear and implanting a digital device in the middle ear. The microphone captures sounds and transmits them to an implant, which then enhances the vibration of the bones and thus helps transmit sound to the inner ear.

Stapedectomy
Deafness can also be caused by a build-up of tissue around the stape in the middle ear. This is also known as conductive hearing loss. A stapedectomy involves removing the stape and replacing it with an artificial part to restore hearing.

Additionally, if you suffer from hearing loss, you should try and prevent it from worsening in any way. You can do this by avoiding your exposure to sounds that are higher than 90 decibels. If you work in a noisy environment, invest in a pair of protective ear muffs. Do not allow wax to build up in your ears and get them cleaned regularly with a home irrigation kit or at your doctor’s clinic. Lastly, get your hearing checked regularly to ensure that your hearing loss does not get worse unnoticed.