Question: My mom has serious hearing loss. She has tried two hearing aids and they did not help. She says she feels like there is fluid in her ears. What should she do?
Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
Your mother is probably right. Hearing loss caused by obstructive wax in the external canal or fluid in the middle ear will prevent hearing amplifiers from working. It is the most common reason (except for battery failure) for hearing aids to seem like they are no longer working.
She should go to her family physician who will be able to provide an answer on the spot. A simple attachment to the doctor's otoscope will allow for a quick check. Some doctors have an electronic tympanometer that can also help diagnose a problem.
More involved testing is rarely needed. If fluid is in the middle ear, it can be cleared in short order, usually within 7 to 14 days. If tinnitus — ringing in the ears — or other conditions are detected, it might be worth seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an evaluation.
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