Is It Too Late to Address My Hearing Loss from Ear Injury?

Q: Is It Too Late to Address My Hearing Loss from Ear Injury?

Hello： In response to your inquiry... <br>please visit the ENT outpatient clinic for a physician's examination. <br>Health Department, Keelung Hospital, Executive Yuan. <br>Hsu Chia-Chen.

Hearing impairment?

Since I started my military service, I've felt that my hearing has not been very good, especially in my left ear, which is more severe.
I usually think that I speak quite loudly, but others perceive my voice as very quiet.
I recall an incident from my childhood when I was cleaning my ears and, due to being pushed, the ear pick pierced my eardrum, causing bleeding.
At that time, I didn't see a doctor, so the damage likely occurred then.
Is it still possible to see a doctor now?

wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/12/13

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your inquiry...
please visit the ENT outpatient clinic for a physician's examination.
Health Department, Keelung Hospital, Executive Yuan.
Hsu Chia-Chen.

Reply Date: 2004/12/13

More Info

It's never too late to seek medical attention for hearing loss, especially if you have a history of ear injuries. Your situation, which includes a past incident of trauma to the ear and ongoing hearing difficulties, warrants a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Hearing loss can stem from various causes, including physical trauma, infections, or even prolonged exposure to loud noises. In your case, the injury from the ear pick penetrating your eardrum could have led to a perforation or damage to the structures of the ear, which may have resulted in long-term hearing issues. The fact that you have noticed a significant difference in how you perceive your own voice versus how others hear it suggests that there may be a conductive component to your hearing loss, possibly due to damage in the outer or middle ear.

When you visit an ENT specialist, they will likely conduct a comprehensive examination, which may include a physical examination of your ears, a hearing test (audiometry), and possibly imaging studies if they suspect more severe underlying issues. The audiometry test will help determine the type and degree of hearing loss you are experiencing, whether it is conductive (related to the outer or middle ear) or sensorineural (related to the inner ear or auditory nerve).

If your hearing loss is determined to be conductive, there may be treatment options available, such as surgical intervention to repair a perforated eardrum or to address any issues with the ossicles (the tiny bones in the middle ear). If the hearing loss is sensorineural, while it may not be reversible, there are still options such as hearing aids or cochlear implants that can significantly improve your quality of life.

Additionally, it's important to consider that untreated hearing loss can lead to other complications, including social isolation, cognitive decline, and increased risk of falls. Therefore, addressing your hearing issues sooner rather than later is crucial.

In summary, I encourage you to make an appointment with an ENT specialist as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options tailored to your specific situation. Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in managing hearing loss and improving your overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss Due to Acoustic Trauma

Hello doctor, my father experienced tinnitus when he was young due to a gunshot fired by another soldier near his ear during target practice. He has been hearing a cicada-like sound ever since, and his hearing in that ear is also poor; he uses the other ear to answer phone calls....

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if it is sensorineural hearing loss, there are no medications that can significantly improve hearing. You may consider using hearing aids for assistance. For more detailed information, please visit the ENT department at a hospital or clinic for a hearing assessment and fur...

Understanding Hearing Loss: Treatment Options and Recovery Strategies

My boyfriend has had hearing issues since high school; he is completely deaf in his left ear and has hearing loss in his right ear. He has seen a doctor and undergone examinations. What can be done to help restore his hearing? Should he start with an outpatient visit and a hearin...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is necessary to review the audiogram. If it is sensorineural hearing loss, the only option may be to use a hearing aid. If it is conductive hearing loss, surgery might resolve some of the issues. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a near...

Dealing with Ear Pain and Hearing Loss After Improper Ear Cleaning

I was cleaning my ears and accidentally inserted the tool too far, and now I can't hear clearly and it's very painful.

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for examination. Conditions such as otitis externa, otitis media, tympanic membrane perforation, and even sudden sensorineural hearing loss are possible (this condition has a critical treatment window). If symptoms persist, it...

Can Hearing Loss from Nerve Damage Be Treated in the U.S.?

My sister is 17 years old and has damage to the auditory nerve in her left ear, resulting in complete hearing loss in that ear. Can advanced countries like the United States provide treatment for this condition? Thank you.

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Regarding your question, the field of otolaryngology in our country is now in sync with the rest of the world. Modern information exchange is particularly convenient. I recommend searching online, and generally, it is best to refer to the hospital you frequently follow, as...