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Many types of hearing loss can range from major to almost not a bother at all. An ear infection is one of the most common reasons. Did you know that ear infection can cause temporary hearing loss and permanent loss?
Understanding Ear Infections
Infection could block sound waves from entering the ear canal or the middle ear. If you do hear sounds, it comes out as muffled. Several types of infection can cause hearing loss. Otitis externa or swimmer’s ear can infect the ear canal. The cause doesn’t have to be just water blocking the ear, though. Sometimes inflammation, swelling, fluids can be the problem. Otitis Media is next on the list, swelling and pus decrease the sound from your ear. However, your hearing will return when infection leaves. Otitis Media with effusion. Again, fluid blocks sound and increase in the passage of the inner ear.
Viral Infection of the cochlea colds or influenza has been thought to be behind this viral infection. Usually, ear infections are temporary and go away after treatments. Antibiotics are one of the main ways ear infection gets treated. If you have had several ear infections, doctors will probably add additional treatment such as introduce a long tube down your eardrum to break up the fluid.
A bacteria or virus are usually the culprits behind ear infection too, and it often stems from another problem with your health, such as illness, flu, allergy or cold. Anything that will clog and swell nasal passage, throat or the Eustachian tubes.
Signs of Ear Infections
The signs of ear infections in children: ear pain, tugging on their ears, crying constantly, not responding to what’s being said, fever, headaches, lack of eating. The signs in adults for ear infection include ear pain, drainage from the ear, and not hearing properly. Seek out medical attention if symptoms last more than a day.
A bacteria or virus are usually the culprits behind ear infection too, and it often stems from another problem with your health, such as illness, flu, allergy or cold. Anything that will clog and swell nasal passage, throat or the Eustachian tubes.
To prevent ear infection in your child, wash his or her hands often will help, cut back on the time your children spend in childcare groups, or have them with fewer children in the groups, and make sure they get vaccinations. Adults should keep their ears clean, avoid smoking, manage your allergies carefully.
Could Ear Infections Lead to Hearing Loss?
Ear infections could lead to scarring of the eardrum and can reduce hearing. Doctors and those who specialize in hearing may recommend hearing aids if you still can’t hear. Loss of your hearing doesn’t have to be permanent when it comes to infection. Usually, they will get better, and your hearing returns to normal but untreated hearing loss may lead to permanent damage. Infants who develop hearing problems due to ear infection can develop speech problems.
Many people think that hearing loss only affects the elderly but truth be told it affects comes at any age, race or gender. Untreated hearing loss in people who delay occurring 1 out of 8 who have experienced loss of hearing. Your hearing properly can affect you in other ways such as emotionally. You may feel isolated, depressed. It can affect you finding a job, remaining at a lower status at the job you have, increase medical bills and increase in fallen or trips.
If you suspect that you have a problem with hearing, get to know the signs such as strain in communication with other people daily, turning up the volume to your TV and radio. Do others have to repeat themselves several times before you understand them? Do you start to avoid contact with others in social settings because you’re having trouble understanding what they’re saying? Does listening to someone become a problem in noisy settings? Ringing, buzzing or Tinnitus affects your ears?
The loss of hearing caused by infection may not be long term, and as soon as the problem of fluid is removed the better your chances for your hearing to return to normal capacity.
Roseville Diagnostic Hearing Center
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing due to ear infection or otherwise, and struggle with communication, contact us today. We provide comprehensive hearing health services and we’re here to help! If you find that you’re having a hearing problem, seek out a hearing professional.