Can Ear Infections Cause Hearing Loss?

An ear infection may be viral or bacterial. It may affect different parts of the ear causing pain or discomfort. Most ear infections result from allergies, a cold, or flu. Chronic ear infections may cause hearing loss. However, hearing loss mesa az from ear infections is mostly temporary. It occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the ear. It is a good idea to consult a health professional whenever you experience ear infections even if they seem mild. Early treatment may help to prevent bigger issues such as hearing loss. If there is a buildup of fluids behind the eardrum, your provider may use a tympanostomy tube to drain it and prevent hearing loss.

Infections That May Cause Hearing Loss

Otitis Media

The infection, also called middle ear infection, causes a swelling in your inner ear. It may contain pus. The swelling makes it difficult to receive sound waves. The infection may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. After treatment of the infection, the hearing should return. However, in rare cases, it does not. The infection is treated using antibiotics.

Viral Cochlea Infection

The viral infection affects the cochlea and causes loss of hearing. It is difficult to detect this infection until you lose hearing. The virus responsible for this infection also causes respiratory infection. After the infection, it is difficult to predict whether or not your hearing will return to normal. It may return partially or completely. In some instances, the infection may cause permanent loss of hearing.

Otitis Externa

The infection affects the ear canal mainly because of too much water in the ear. It is characterized by swelling or inflammation of the ear canal. There may be a buildup in the ear canal which locks sound waves. After the infection goes away, the hearing will return to normal.

Otitis Media with Effusion

This infection causes a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum. The fluid may completely or partially block hearing. The fluid clears on its own and hearing returns to normal. It may remain behind the eardrum for weeks or months. It is a result of otitis media infection.

It is important to perform hearing tests frequently especially for people who suffer from ear infections. Ear infections mostly cause conducive hearing loss. It is a hearing loss that occurs when it is difficult to conduct sound waves through the middle ear, tympanic membrane, or middle ear. It makes sounds seem faint. It is mainly because of a blockage or obstruction that restricts the reception of sound waves.

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