Ear Infections and Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
Ear infections might be common, but they’re far more serious than many people realize. An ear infection occurs when a viral or bacterial infection causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the ear. An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the ear, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
There are two additional types of ear infections to be mindful of, all of which have the potential to lead to hearing loss, both temporary and permanent. The most typical and recognized form of ear infection is otitis media or middle ear infection.
Types of Ear Infections and Their Impact on Hearing
Ear infections can interfere with your hearing in several ways, depending on the cause, severity, and where it occurs.
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
A middle ear infection happens in the middle ear due to improper drainage by the Eustachian tube, a tube that links the ear to the back of the throat. Middle ear infections usually develop following a cold or allergies that cause inflammation in the throat, hindering fluid drainage.
Temporary hearing loss is a frequent outcome of middle ear infections, but it typically returns to normal after treating the infection. However, chronic ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss if they damage the middle ear.
Inner Ear Infection
Inner ear infections are less common and usually occur when certain viruses reach the inner ear. Inner ear infections can lead to sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which may become permanent if not addressed promptly. Therefore, if you notice a sudden loss of hearing or a hearing loss that develops within a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately.
Sudden hearing loss often affects only one ear.
External Ear Infection
An external ear infection happens when the skin of the ear canal gets infected. This type of ear infection generally occurs when excess moisture is trapped in the ear canal, like after swimming. It can also happen if the skin is pierced or scraped, and the wound becomes infected.
Temporary hearing loss may occur due to the blockage of the ear by infected material or swelling caused by the infection. Hearing is likely to return to normal once treatment is received. If you suspect an external ear infection, consult a doctor.
How Ear Infections Affect Hearing
Ear infections can cause inflammation and swelling inside the ear. This can block sound and make noises seem muffled or quiet. Severe or untreated middle ear infections can cause pus or fluid buildup that increases pressure behind the eardrum. While hearing changes usually resolve once the infection clears, if left untreated, fluid buildup can cause the eardrum to rupture, potentially leading to permanent hearing damage. However, chronic inflammation can cause damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, resulting in permanent hearing loss.
Potential Complications Leading to Hearing Loss
Several complications from ear infections can lead to hearing loss:
- Cholesteatoma: Cholesteatoma is a noncancerous skin cyst that develops in the middle ear behind the eardrum, often resulting from recurring middle ear infections.
- Meningitis: Meningitis is when the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. When an ear infection spreads to nearby structures in the head and causes meningitis, this inflammation can damage the auditory nerve, leading to permanent hearing loss.
Treatments for Ear Infections
Treatments for an outer ear infection depend on whether the infection is bacterial or fungal. Some viral infections can heal on their own within 3-5 days. However, middle ear infections typically require antibiotics to be treated. Inner ear infections are less common, but very serious. The inner ear houses the two systems responsible for balance and hearing, so when it becomes infected, it often affects both at the same time.
Skin conditions: conditions like eczema or psoriasis can damage the protective skin barrier inside the ear, causing inflammation, flakiness, and less earwax.
When to seek help
It's important to remember that ear infections are common, but their effects have a greater impact than many people realize. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience sudden hearing loss or hearing loss that develops within a few minutes.
Audiological Support
At Audibel, our hearing care professionals are dedicated to supporting your hearing health for the long term. Whether you’re experiencing hearing changes after an ear infection or simply need a routine check-up, our specialists are here to help.
References
- Danishyar, A., & Ashurst, J. V.
- Jensen, E. S., Cayé-Thomasen, P., Bodilsen, J., Nielsen, H., Friis-Hansen, L., Christensen, T., Christiansen, M., Kirchmann, M., & Brandt, C. T. (2023b).