Ear infections and hearing loss
Are you experiencing earache, muffled hearing, or a sensation of fullness in your ear? These symptoms may indicate an ear infection, which can lead to ear sounds muffled, and, if left untreated, even permanent ear infection hearing loss. At HearUSA, we understand the significant impact of ear infections on your hearing health, and we're here to help.
Middle ear infections
The most common type of ear infection, known as acute otitis media, occurs when the space behind the eardrum becomes inflamed or infected. Since the tiny bones that amplify sound are located here, these infections can reduce hearing.
Outer ear infections
Otitis externa, commonly called swimmer's ear, occurs in the outer canal when water remains trapped in the ear. Moisture becomes a cozy place for bacteria to breed and can lead to itching, redness and swelling of the ear canal.
Inner ear infections
Medically called labyrinthitis, an infection of the inner ear is often viral and is much less common than other ear infections. Because the inner ear contains delicate organs, an infection can cause both hearing difficulties and issues with balance.
Symptoms of Ear Infections
Ear infections can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. Common signs include:
- Earache: Sharp or dull pain in the ear.
- Muffled Ears: You may notice that sounds seem muffled or distant.
- Fluid Drainage: You might see fluid coming from the ear.
- Fever: Some people experience a low-grade fever.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might be wondering, can an ear infection cause hearing loss? Yes, untreated ear infections can lead to ear infection hearing loss. Don’t ignore the signs - if you have ear sounds muffled or other symptoms, it’s essential to seek help.
Book an appointment with HearUSA today or take our complementary online hearing test to assess your hearing health.
Can an Ear Infection Cause Hearing Loss?
We know how scary it can be dealing with ear infections or seeing your little ones having them, but the good news is: most infections don't cause long-term damage to your hearing. While fluid buildup can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear and lead to muffled or mild hearing loss temporarily, once the inflammation clears and the fluid drains, hearing will generally be restored.
Can Ear Infections Spread?
As with many types of infections, if untreated for long periods of time, ear infections may spread to other parts of the body. That could include complications such as infection of the bones behind the ear (mastoiditis), spreading to the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or pus collecting in the brain (brain abscess), and rupturing of the ear drum.
How to Regain Hearing After Ear Infection?
Usually when the infection subsides, blockage will clear and you'll regain your hearing as it was before. However, pesky fluid buildup doesn't always make a quick exit. This lingering fluid may cause reduced hearing to last for a few days or even months following the infection.
What increases risk of infection?
Ear infections may not be preventable 100% of the time, but there are conditions and factors that can contribute to them. Those may be:
- Changes in weather or seasonal allergies - With seasonal allergies, irritation and swelling can cause fluid buildup. In the fall and winter, illnesses such as a cold, flu or other respiratory infections can increase chances of ear infections.
- Environmental factors - The air we breathe has an enormous impact on our health, and our ears are no exception. If you live somewhere with high levels of pollution, you may be more prone to ear infections. The same goes for smokers or those around second-hand smoke. Smoking weakens the immune system and can irritate the Eustachian tubes.
- Having a cleft palate - Differences in muscle and bone structure can make it difficult for the Eustachian tubes to drain properly, leading to ear infections.
Can hearing loss be permanent?
Long-term infections that go untreated or become chronic can cause permanent damage to the tiny bones in your ear or rupture your eardrum. Surgery may be needed to correct these issues. But how do you know if this loss is permanent? There are a few tell-tale signs:
Difficulty understanding others
Often having to ask others to speak up
Struggling to follow conversations
Turning up the TV too loud
Getting help
When should I call the doctor?
Ear infections often take care of themselves after a few days. However, if you find them sticking around for more than 3 days, it's time to call the doctor. You should also contact your doctor if you have extreme pain or repeat ear infections, a high fever (over 100.4 degrees), reduced muscle movement or drooping in the face, or swelling around the ear.
Tips for prevention
Can ear infections be prevented?
Ear infections may be frustrating, but as with any infection, you can take control to prevent them. It all starts with healthy habits:
- Regularly wash hands and avoid sharing food and drinks with others
- Keep up to date on vaccinations
- Don't smoke (and keep yourself or your child away from second-hand smoke)
Ear infections & hearing loss: FAQ
Do ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?
How long does hearing loss from an infection last?
Do inner ear infections affect hearing?
Do middle ear infections affect hearing?
Do outer ear infections affect hearing?
Can hearing loss from an infection be reversed?
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