Treating Hearing Loss with Surgery | Hearing Haven (806) 726-7813

Treating Hearing Loss with Surgery: What You Need to Know

Hearing loss can affect many aspects of life, from conversations with loved ones to enjoying music and nature. While hearing aids and other devices help many people, some cases of hearing loss require surgical treatment. If you’re considering surgery for hearing loss, The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas, can guide you through your options and help you find the best solution.

Understanding Hearing Loss and When Surgery Might Help

Hearing loss can happen for many reasons, such as aging, infections, injury, or medical conditions. Some types of hearing loss can be treated with surgery, while others may require different solutions.

Types of Hearing Loss That May Require Surgery

There are three main types of hearing loss:

• Conductive Hearing Loss: This occurs when sound cannot reach the inner ear due to blockages or structural problems. Surgery is often an effective treatment for this type.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Surgery may be an option in severe cases.
• Mixed Hearing Loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Surgery may help if there is a structural issue involved.

Common Surgical Treatments for Hearing Loss

If hearing aids are not enough, different surgical options may be available. Here are some of the most common procedures:

Cochlear Implants

For individuals with severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants can be life-changing. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear and send signals directly to the auditory nerve.

How Do Cochlear Implants Work?

A cochlear implant consists of two main parts:

1. External Processor: Worn behind the ear, this captures and processes sound.
2. Implanted Electrode: Placed in the inner ear, it sends signals to the auditory nerve.

Cochlear implants require a surgical procedure and follow-up therapy to help patients adjust. The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas, can help determine if this is the right option for you.

Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHS)

A bone-anchored hearing system (BAHS) is useful for people with conductive or mixed hearing loss. This system works by sending sound vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear, bypassing damaged parts of the outer or middle ear.

Who Can Benefit from BAHS?

• People with chronic ear infections that make traditional hearing aids difficult to use.
• Those with single-sided deafness (SSD).
• Patients with outer ear malformations.

The surgery involves placing a small titanium implant into the skull bone behind the ear, which fuses with the bone over time. The external processor then attaches to the implant and transmits sound.

Stapedectomy for Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear prevents sound from being properly transmitted. A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure that replaces the affected bone (stapes) with a prosthetic device to restore hearing.

What to Expect with a Stapedectomy

• Outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia.
• Recovery period of a few weeks.
• Significant hearing improvement in most patients.

Tympanoplasty for Eardrum Repair

A perforated eardrum can cause hearing loss and frequent infections. Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs the eardrum using a graft, helping restore hearing and prevent infections.

Who Needs Tympanoplasty?

• Those with chronic ear infections.
• Individuals with a hole in the eardrum due to injury.
• Patients experiencing conductive hearing loss due to eardrum damage.

Myringotomy with Ear Tubes

For children or adults with frequent ear infections or fluid buildup, myringotomy with ear tubes can help. A small incision is made in the eardrum, and a tiny tube is inserted to allow proper drainage, preventing infections and hearing loss.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

If surgery is an option for your hearing loss, here’s what you can expect:

Before Surgery

• A complete hearing evaluation at The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas.
• Discussions with a specialist to determine the best procedure.
• Medical tests, such as imaging or additional hearing assessments.

After Surgery

• Most procedures are outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.
• Some temporary hearing loss may occur during healing.
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust hearing devices if needed.
• Rehabilitation or therapy for cochlear implants to help adjust to new hearing sensations.

Why Choose The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas?

When considering surgical options for hearing loss, choosing the right provider is essential. The Hearing Haven offers:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluations to determine the best treatment.
• Experienced professionals who understand different types of hearing loss.
• Affordable solutions to make treatment accessible to more people.
• Ongoing support before and after surgery to ensure the best results.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing

If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss and considering surgery, The Hearing Haven in Amarillo, Texas, can help. With expert care and advanced treatment options, you can find a solution that improves your hearing and quality of life.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and start your journey to better hearing!

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