There are several types ofhearing loss.
Sometimes it’s temporary, caused byfluid in the earor a blockage.
People can beborn with hearing loss, but it can happen at any time to one or both ears.
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Ear infections can cause muffled or impaired hearing.
This is almost always temporary; normal hearing will return once the infection clears and swelling goes down.
The middle ear contains:
An ear infection can lead to temporary swelling and/or fluid in the middle ear.
This affects the way sound travels through the ear, leading to hearing problems.
Causes
Middle ear infections happen when the eustachian tube gets blocked by fluid or inflammation.
This can be triggered by:
Who Do Ear Infections Affect?
Adults can get ear infections, but they’re much more common in children.
Other treatments can include:
Sometimes a provider will also suggest autoinsufflation.
This can help balance the air pressure in your ear.
You pinch your nose and then gently breathe out, which forces air through the eustachian tube.
People who smoke or who are often around smokers are more likely to get ear infections.
If youre having difficulty controlling your allergies or notice you get frequent colds, talk with your healthcare provider.
And if you go swimming, dry your ears well afterward.
See your healthcare provider if you continue to notice hearing issues after a few days.
But don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing loss due to an ear infection is usually temporary.
It’s always a good idea to contact your healthcare provider if you notice a change in your hearing.
It might be painful or itchy.
You might also have a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear and notice muffled hearing.
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ear infection (otitis media).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection basics.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Middle-ear infection in adults.
UpToDate.Acute otitis media in adults.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children.
