Is possible for him to hear again?

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  • Thread starter EngWiPy
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In summary, if your friend has severe to profound hearing loss, he may be a candidate for a cochlear implant. However, this would not restore "normal" hearing, and would require communication training to be effective.
  • #1
EngWiPy
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Hi all,

The issue is that I know someone who cannot hear using his right ear because of an infection happened to him in an earlier age, and he didn't treat it. In that case, is it possible for him to hear again using it, hypothetically?

I appreciate any help in this.

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
That depends entirely on what kind of damage was done to his hearing. I'd recommend having him visit a doctor and seeing what they have to say.
 
  • #3
In the whole wide world of generalization, sure it's possible. In your friend's specific case, an in-person doctor would know best.
 
  • #4
Actually, he did check with two doctors, and both of them said there is no hope. But I want to dig more about it, may there is a way to change the possibilities. What information do I need to know about his damage exactly to know if he can hear again?

Thanks
 
  • #5
If the hair cells are lost, but the auditory nerve is undamaged, a cochlear implant may restore some hearing.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/basics/definition/PRC-20021470
"A cochlear implant is an electronic device that partially restores hearing in people who have severe hearing loss due to damage of the inner ear and who don't benefit from hearing aids."

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/expert-answers/cochlear-implants/FAQ-20058398
"Cochlear implants — which bypass damaged or nonworking parts of the inner ear — can improve hearing if you have severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear implants are electronic devices that convert acoustic sounds into electrical pulses that stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Your auditory nerve carries the signal to your brain, which recognizes the signal as sound.

If your hearing loss is severe, you may be a candidate for cochlear implants. Cochlear implant candidates generally have great difficulty understanding speech in everyday listening situations — even with hearing aids. Cochlear implants cannot restore "normal" hearing. But with communication training, children as young as 12 months of age and adults who have lost their hearing can benefit."
 
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  • #6
If he has approximately normal hearing in one ear, restoring badly distorted hearing in the other ear could make things worse rather than better., from a "quality of life" point of view.
 
  • #7
Actually, he does hear using his left ear, but recently sometimes he has trouble in hearing from first time when talked to, especially he is not young. So, is it better to take care of his left ear instead of fixing the other one?
 
  • #8
S_David said:
Actually, he does hear using his left ear, but recently sometimes he has trouble in hearing from first time when talked to, especially he is not young. So, is it better to take care of his left ear instead of fixing the other one?
There is no way we can answer this. Please have your friend see a doctor. We don't diagnose here. We've given you all the suggestions we can. I wish your friend good luck at the doctor.
 

1. Is it possible for someone who is deaf to hear again?

Yes, it is possible for someone who is deaf to hear again through various medical interventions and technologies such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, and auditory brainstem implants.

2. What causes someone to lose their hearing?

Hearing loss can be caused by various factors such as genetic conditions, aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, and certain medications.

3. Can hearing loss be prevented?

In some cases, hearing loss can be prevented by avoiding exposure to loud noises, using protective gear in noisy environments, and taking precautions to prevent infections. However, some types of hearing loss cannot be prevented.

4. How do cochlear implants work?

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that bypass the damaged part of the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly, allowing the person to perceive sound. They consist of an external processor, which captures and processes sound, and an internal implant, which is surgically placed under the skin and attached to electrodes that stimulate the auditory nerve.

5. Are there any risks associated with hearing restoration procedures?

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with hearing restoration procedures. These may include infection, damage to surrounding tissues, and device malfunctions. However, these risks are relatively low and can be mitigated by seeking treatment from a qualified and experienced medical professional.

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