Hearing loss typically happens when you’re exposed to loud noises for a long time. For example, if you’re working on a construction site for a long time then it’s possible that you might end up with hearing loss that is caused by loud power tools and other machines. But exposure to loud noises only causes hearing loss due to the way it damages the nerves in your inner ear. There are other sources of hearing loss that might not be related to loud sounds at all. As long as it’s a condition that affects your inner ear, there’s a chance that it might cause hearing loss.
So how does an ear infection relate to adult hearing loss? Is there a connection, or is it just speculation?
What Exactly is an Ear Infection?
Before we start to discuss the connection between infections and hearing loss, we need to consider what an ear infection actually is. The scientific name would be otitis media, a middle ear infection that is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. It causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the area behind the eardrum and can cause a variety of nasty symptoms.
There are two kinds of otitis media: acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. There are also less common varieties such as chronic suppurative otitis media and adhesive otitis media. While the exact definition of these isn’t important right now, it’s good to understand that ear infections can ultimately lead to damage to the middle ear, especially if you don’t try to remedy the problem as soon as it happens.
Ear infections are extremely common, and it’s expected that around five in six children will experience an ear infection before they even turn three years old.
Can Ear Infections Cause Hearing Loss?
In many cases, yes. Since an ear infection can cause a fluid buildup and inflammation behind the eardrum, it can block the sound waves from passing through correctly.
Is Hearing Loss from an Ear Infection Permanent?
In most cases, hearing loss from a middle ear infection is not permanent. It only happens temporarily and the effects usually go away once the ear infection clears up. Once the fluid buildup has drained out, it no longer stops the sound vibrations from reaching your inner ear. This effectively removes the temporary hearing loss, leading to full hearing recovery.
However, the fluid in your ears can linger for some time. Even though a middle ear infection can usually be cleared up in a few days, it can take weeks or even months for the fluid to drain out as well. You might have trouble hearing properly while the fluid is trapped, and you may need to visit an audiologist or a physician to have your ear examined if you’re looking to recover more quickly.
In short, most people will experience a full hearing recovery once their ear infection has cleared up. However, if there is still some fluid buildup left, then you might want to speak with an audiologist to examine your ear.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?
Not sure if you have an ear infection? Wondering if your child or friend has an ear infection? If so, then here are some of the most common symptoms of an ear infection. So, you know what to look out for:
- Fever is a very common sign that your body is trying to fight back against an infection. If you have a fever and your hearing is a little muffled, then it could be an ear infection.
- Unsteadiness can be a problem if the fluid in your ears is disrupting your sense of balance. This is more of an issue for children than adults.
- Discharge from the ear is another common symptom to look out for. If you notice that pus or fluid is draining out of your ear, then there’s a good chance it might be caused by an ear infection.
There are many other signs of ear infection, but they are often specific to the type of ear infection or they might only affect children.
If you’re unsure whether or not your ear infection is causing hearing loss, then why not get in touch with our expert audiologists at The Hearing Doctors. Contact us today at (630) 315-2899 and schedule an appointment with our audiologist to learn more about your hearing loss or ear infection.
