Will Hearing Loss Return After an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are a common affliction that affects millions of people worldwide every year. Ranging from mild to severe, ear infections affect everyone differently, sometimes resulting in symptoms even after the ear infection has left.

Children are often afflicted with ear infections, but sometimes adults may be affected. Some liquid may build up in the ear, blocking the passage of sounds into the eardrum and causing auditory loss. Hearing loss caused by an ear infection is termed conductive auditory impairment. The loss usually isn’t permanent, but there are certain things can affect how long it lasts.

Conductive and sensorineural auditory loss are the two main kinds of auditory impairment. Conductive loss is an impairment that is temporary and is usually treated as soon as the obstruction is removed.

Treatment for Ear Infections

Treatment for recurrent ear infections may include inserting a Eustachian tube to prevent excess fluid from building up in the ear. Treating ear infections with antibiotics is the usual approach.

Many people are not aware that different types of ear infections can affect people in different ways.

Otitis Externa, or infection of the external ear canal, is the most common type of ear infection. When water gets into the ear or other factors cause inflammation, sound cannot travel through. Swimmer’s ear is an example of external otitis. The swelling in the ear usually goes down when this type of ear infection is treated.

Otitis media occurs when pockets of infection form behind the eardrum due to infection in the middle of the ear canal. A cold, allergies, or bacteria, or viruses cause this to happen. Patients with middle ear infections experience pain and fever. If they are not treated, middle ear infections can result in permanent hearing loss.

Otitis media with effusion is caused by an accumulation of fluid around the eardrum that blocks or muffles the sound. The eardrum can burst if a fluid becomes infected and sits on it long. Viruses or bacteria may not be involved in the infection, but the eardrum can burst if the fluid becomes infected.

Permanent Damage

As well as creating pressure in your ears, ear infections can rupture your eardrum, altering your hearing abilities. If left untreated, this can lead to reduced acuity in your ears. Additionally, the tympanic membrane, which vibrates when sound is heard, can also be scarred by chronic, recurrent ear infections, which have the same effect as chronic and recurrent ear infections on hearing.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the auditory nerve or inner ear is damaged. This type of loss is typically due to aging and is called presbycusis. Sensorineural loss caused by aging is generally permanent, but it can be mitigated with devices. Please contact a medical provider immediately when a sensorineural loss occurs in less than three days.

Children and Ear Infections

Children may experience developmental problems due to hearing impairment, so it’s essential to treat it quickly. Like adults, children can develop hearing impairment due to ear infections. By the time they’re three years old, about 25% of children will experience at least one middle infection.

When a child is young, the Eustachian tube is horizontal, making it more prone to fluid blockage. Fluid in the ears doesn’t drain as quickly, leading to temporary hearing impairments. Frequent infections not treated typically result in irreversible sensorineural loss during the chronic condition. If the infection isn’t treated, it can damage the eardrum and nerves of the auditory system.

If, however, there is permanently impaired hearing, then auditory aids must be prescribed. If the infection is promptly treated, the hearing will often return to normal or close to it. It is common for children to develop ear infections. Fortunately, infections don’t cause permanent damage, and when hearing returns to normal after treatment, the likelihood of permanent deafness is reduced. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Hearing Aids

If you have permanent hearing loss due to frequent ear infections, then hearing aids may be the solution. In the past decade, hearing aid technology has made tremendous advances. While these aids won’t wholly recover your hearing, they’ll help you with your everyday life and make it easier to hear around people.

In contrast to glasses, which let you see straight away, hearing aids can take time to become comfortable with as your brain becomes accustomed to the sounds that you’ve been missing. Patience is the key.

The key to becoming comfortable with hearing aids is patience as your brain becomes accustomed to the sounds you’ve been missing. It may take longer to become accustomed to hearing aids than it takes to get used to glasses.

Tips to Avoid Ear Infections

Wear swim earplugs in the water to prevent ear infections. Don’t smoke and limit exposure to secondhand smoke for yourself and your child.

Keeping your mouth and body clean can help avoid colds and flu. Also, getting
a flu vaccine and using antihistamines to prevent allergies can prevent fluid from building up in your ear.

Ear infections may seem scary at first, but you can avoid permanent damage with proper oversight and treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with a hearing condition, contact Hearing Associates of Las Vegas to set up an appointment today.