Ear Infections & Hearing Loss

Oct 28, 2019

The Diagnosed Ear Infection

An ear infection must be taken seriously because the untreated infections in the ear can cause permanent damage. Sometimes an ordinary infection in your ear can cause temporary loss of hearing. An ear infection can block the sound through the ear canal. A block from the ear to the canal can create muffled sounds. Blocked or muffled sounds is known as conductive hearing loss. This refers to problems with the transferring of sound waves. Conductive loss of hearing can be treated. Often medicine or surgery is used to treat this condition. A hearing aid may be beneficial and it can be surgically implanted. The undiagnosed ear infection will not heal on its own. The diagnosed infection can be treated.

About Ear Infections

It ought to be known that there are different types of infections that emerge in the ear. They can occur at any age. Usually a child will get an infection in their ear. Kids tend to get more infections than adults do. The pus and swelling from the infection tend to prevents full hearing. A physician can inquire about the symptoms and will look at the eardrum for additional information. An otoscope is an instrument that is used to peer into the ear. The following are signs of an ear infection:

red eardrum
fluid behind a bulging eardrum
inflammation
a spinning sensation or dizziness
nausea or vomiting
trouble walking or issues with balance
fever
the ear may feel like it is full
pain in the ear

There are quite a few ways to treat an ear infection. The average person will seek medical care to relieve the pain. There are some home remedies to treat mild ear aches and infections. A cool or warm compress can be placed over the ear. A washcloth can be used. Olive oil drops are another home remedy. It has been claimed that a few drops in the ear will relieve pain. It ought to be noted, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim up. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief for pain in the ear. Chewing gum will help lower the pressure in the ear and ease symptoms. Any infection in the ear will need antibiotics to eliminate it. A physician can advise you of your best treatment option. It is time to call a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

any type of fluid coming from your ear
a pain in the ear that suddenly quits hurting could be a ruptured ear drum
symptoms get worse in a 24-hour period
a fever, headache or dizziness
there may be an object stuck in your ear

Defining Loss of Hearing

Loss of hearing may be a slow and gradual process for some people. It can, also, be a sudden and quick loss. Hearing loss can be the result of the aging process. Often, long exposure to very loud noises can affect the hearing. Keep in mind, if the loss of hearing is caused by an affliction that can be treated, the hearing can be restored. This includes ear infections. Untreated hearing loss can be harmful and it is a good idea to seek medical treatment. Loss of hearing is quite common. In fact, it is the third most common health concern in America. Many health issues can contribute to the loss of hearing. Even your diet and various drugs can impact your hearing.

Infected Ears and Loss of Hearing: The Double Whammy

Conductive loss of hearing can affect the following:

outer ear
middle ear

Usually, the cause is an obstruction in the middle of the ear. Keep in mind, the middle of the ear sends sounds to your auditory nerve. When there is an obstruction it is going to stop the sound from traveling to the middle ear. This will cause loss of hearing. Any type of buildup in the middle ear can produce conductive loss of hearing. This includes: