Ear Infections and Hearing Loss: What You Should Know

Ear infections seem harmless, especially considering some will resolve on their own. However, that isn't the case for all of them. It's very possible one could remain and cause permanent hearing loss. To help you understand the importance of visiting an otolaryngologist or another specialist from our team at Otolaryngology Plastic Surgery Associates, serving Sellersville, Doylestown, Lansdale, PA, and the nearby regions, for an infection, we'd like to share some information about ear infections and hearing loss.

Temporary Hearing Loss During an Infection

When you have an infection, you may develop temporary hearing loss. Everything may sound muffled, or you may have difficulty hearing in general. 

With an external ear infection, you may have drainage or swelling that disrupts your ability to hear normally.

Fluid may inhibit hearing in cases of a middle ear infection. Often, a middle ear infection stems from an upper respiratory infection or allergies that irritate the nasal lining and the backmost portion of the throat, leading to inflammation and swelling. Ultimately, this can block the Eustachian tube opening, interrupting air from traveling and hindering hearing.

Internal ear infections can also cause temporary hearing loss, which is rare. The hearing loss comes on suddenly, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

Permanent Hearing Loss From an Infection

An infection can lead to fluid that remains and continues to affect your hearing. It's also possible that an infection, when left untreated, will damage the sensitive tissue in your ear and permanently impact your hearing.

Recurring infections can also lead to hearing changes from scarring. Eustachian tube dysfunction can also occur from recurring infections. Fluid drainage and air pressure changes may also impact hearing.

Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss With an Infection

Applying a warm compress and taking your prescribed antibiotic as recommended can help you hear better while you battle the infection.

Getting treatment early is also beneficial because you'll prevent swelling from damaging the ear. 

If you have recurring infections, an ear specialist serving Sellersville, Doylestown, Lansdale, PA, and the surrounding areas may be able to find the underlying cause and target it. For instance, surgery may be necessary to open the eustachian tubes by placing artificial tubes that maximize drainage. 

Ear infections cause temporary hearing loss for a few reasons, which could sometimes become permanent.

Book an appointment today at Otolaryngology Plastic Surgery Associates, serving Sellersville, Doylestown, Lansdale, PA, and the adjacent neighborhoods, to prevent hearing loss from a single instance of infection or recurring ear infections. You can reach our Doylestown office at 215-792-2173, our Sellersville location at 215-453-8900, or our Lansdale facility at 215-368-5290 to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options.