Hearing aids may help when hearing loss affects communication; invisibility should not be the main selection criterion. They can be used for sensorineural, mixed and selected conductive losses.
Consider the audiogram, speech understanding, dexterity, ear anatomy and everyday environments. Appropriate fitting, trial and follow-up adjustments matter. A device does not fully reproduce normal hearing and adaptation can take time. The association between hearing loss and cognitive problems does not mean aids prevent dementia in everyone. Sudden or one-sided change needs medical investigation first.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment