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Occupational hearing loss - Treatment

Alternative Names

Hearing loss - occupational

Treatment:

The hearing loss is usually permanent. The goal of treatment is to prevent further hearing loss, improve communication with any remaining hearing, and develop coping skills (such as lip reading).

Using a hearing aid may improve communication. Always protect the ear from further damage. For example, wear ear plugs in noisy areas.

Expectations (prognosis):

Hearing loss is often permanent in the affected ear. The loss may get worse if you don't take measures to prevent further damage.

Complications:

Hearing loss may progress to total deafness.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

You have hearing loss
The hearing loss gets worse
You develop other new symptoms

Ear anatomy

Reviewed last on: 8/3/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Unviersity of Washington School of Medicine; and Seth Scwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lonsbury-Martin BL, Martin GK. Noise-induced hearing loss. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 151.

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