Ear infections are a common ailment that often accompanies colds, sinus infections and viruses. In some cases, ear infections can lead to both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Ear infections are far more common in children than in adults. Ear infections can cause short-term hearing loss when fluid and inflammation develop in your middle ear and, in some cases, permanent damage.
Understanding Ear Infections & How They Impact Hearing
To understand the relationship between ear infections and hearing, let’s answer a few commonly asked questions.
- What are the common types of ear infections?
External ear infections – An external ear infection happens when the skin of the ear canal becomes infected. The cause of this type of infection is often too much moisture in the ear canal, commonly referred to as“swimmer’s ear. Another common cause is sticking a finger or a cotton swab in the ear and inadvertently traumatizes the skin. External ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss because of swelling, but that resolves itself once the infection is gone.
Middle ear infections – Middle ear infections generally occur when fluid pools in the middle area of the ear and gets infected. This type of ear infection can also lead to temporary hearing loss. Again, the hearing loss experienced with this type of ear infection typically goes away when the infection is cleared.
Inner ear infections – Inner ear infections are more rare than outer and middle ear infections. They are also more dangerous as they pose a risk of permanent damage to your hearing. It’s hard for bacteria and viruses to get into and infect the fluid of the inner ear, but unfortunately it happens to an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 50,000 people a year, typically as a result of a virus that gets into the inner ear and ultimately damages the inner ear, leading to loss of hearing that is often permanent.
- How long will hearing loss from an ear infection last?
The answer is, it depends. Outer and middle ear infections are known to impair hearing while the infection is present only, while the inner ear infection can create a permanent hearing loss condition.
- What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
Understanding the symptoms of ear infections can help prevent permanent hearing issues. The most common indicators of hearing loss include:
- Intense pain inside the ear
- Running a high temperature
- Symptoms accompanying a cold or other illness
- Feeling run down or general lack of energy
- Difficulty hearing
- Discharge coming from the ear
- Headaches that feel like a pressure or fullness inside the ear
- Abnormal itching and irritation in and around the ear
While ear infections are common, they should never be ignored or left to heal on their own without the advice of a doctor. Be sure to follow all the medical professional’s instructions if you are experiencing symptoms of ear infection to ensure that no permanent impact is made to your hearing.
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