Is Hearing Aid Necessary for My Mother After Ear Surgery?

Q: Is Hearing Aid Necessary for My Mother After Ear Surgery?

Hello： In response to your question, hearing aids assist patients in communicating better with others in their daily lives, but they do not affect the existing condition, so there is no need to worry.

Do I have to wear a hearing aid?

Dear Dr.
Hsu,
My mother, who is 48 years old, has a history of otitis media and underwent surgery on both ears twelve years ago.
She has been regularly returning to the hospital for follow-ups, and everything has been normal during this long period.
However, in the past year and a half, she has only been visiting a nearby clinic for ear cleaning.
Two days ago, she returned to the hospital for a follow-up and underwent a hearing test, which revealed that her right ear has only 55 decibels of hearing (the surgery was ineffective), while her left ear needs to be well protected to avoid the need for another surgery (her hearing is currently normal in that ear).
The doctor has recommended that she wear a hearing aid for her left ear.

In this situation, is it absolutely necessary for her to wear a hearing aid? Would not wearing one worsen her condition? I apologize for the disturbance, and thank you for your assistance.

Pangxie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/12

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, hearing aids assist patients in communicating better with others in their daily lives, but they do not affect the existing condition, so there is no need to worry.

Reply Date: 2006/06/12

More Info

In your mother's case, the recommendation for a hearing aid is based on her current hearing ability and the potential benefits it can provide. After undergoing surgery for chronic ear issues like otitis media, it is not uncommon for patients to experience varying degrees of hearing loss. In your mother's situation, with her right ear showing significant hearing loss (55 decibels), and the left ear needing protection to maintain its current hearing level, the use of a hearing aid could be quite beneficial.

Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to communicate and engage in daily activities. They do not cure hearing loss but can significantly improve the quality of life by enhancing the ability to hear conversations, sounds in the environment, and even music. In your mother's case, wearing a hearing aid in her left ear could help her maintain her hearing capabilities and prevent further deterioration.
It is important to note that not wearing a hearing aid when recommended can lead to a decline in auditory function. This is often referred to as "auditory deprivation," where the brain becomes less accustomed to processing sounds, potentially leading to further hearing loss over time. Additionally, social isolation can occur if communication becomes difficult, which can affect mental health and overall well-being.

Regarding your concern about whether wearing a hearing aid could worsen her condition, it is essential to clarify that hearing aids do not damage the ear or worsen existing conditions. They are non-invasive devices that simply assist in amplifying sound. However, it is crucial to have a proper fitting and adjustment by an audiologist to ensure that the device is tailored to her specific hearing needs.

In summary, while it may not be strictly necessary for your mother to wear a hearing aid, it is highly advisable given her current hearing status. The benefits of improved communication and social interaction, along with the potential to protect her remaining hearing, outweigh the risks of not using one. It would be beneficial for her to follow up with an audiologist who can provide a thorough assessment and help her choose the right hearing aid that fits her lifestyle and hearing needs.
Furthermore, if there are any concerns about the fitting or functionality of the hearing aid, regular follow-ups with the audiologist will ensure that any adjustments can be made promptly. This proactive approach can help maintain her hearing health and overall quality of life.

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