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Occupational hearing loss - Treatment

Alternative Names

Hearing loss - occupational

Treatment:

The hearing loss may be permanent. The goal of treatment is to improve 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: 10/10/2008
Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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