Ear Infections & Hearing Loss

Loss of hearing may be contributed by various factors such as aging, air pollution, genes, and infections. These factors usually inhibit the functionality of the auditory nerve, which causes sensorineural loss of hearing. Untreated hearing loss may result in either temporary or permanent loss of hearing. When infections on the ear increase, they may build up in the central ear blocking the sound from traveling to the inner ear. When sound is blocked like this, a condition known as a conductive hearing disorder may arise.

The Severity of Hearing Loss as a Result of Ear Infections

In most cases, loss of hearing as a result of infections is more likely to be temporary and often subdue after medical treatment. When diagnosed with an infection on the ear, your doctor may use antibiotics to treat the diseases. If antibiotics successfully heal the infections on the ear, your hearing process returns to normal. Draining the fluid in the inner ear relieves the pressure and the pain that builds up as a result of infections preventing the eardrum from rupturing. When too much fluid accumulates inside your ear without draining it, the pressure that builds up is enough to break the eardrum. Recurrent infections on the ear may also cause tympanosclerosis, a condition that is characterized by thickening or swelling of the tympanic muscles. A ruptured eardrum, together with thickened tympanic tissues, adversely affects the transmission of sound through the ear affecting the hearing acuity. In case your hearing problem fails to heal, your doctor may advise on the use of hearing aid devices to improve your hearing process.

Why Ear Infections Are More Prevalent to Children Compared to Adults

Every person with a cold infection can be susceptible to infections on the ear. However, younger children are far much prone to having infections on the ears than the adult. The reason children are more susceptible to having infections on their ear is that they have a small Eustachian tube, which lies horizontally, limiting the capacity of fluid drainage. Their young and immature immunity, which cannot fight respiratory infections entirely, increases the risk of contracting ear infection. Another risk factor for an ear infection is the suffering from the chronic disease of tonsils. Tonsil glands are found close to the Eustachian tube, increasing the chances of virus and bacterial infections spreading to parts of the ear. In such a situation, your otolaryngologist may recommend surgery to remove these glands in an attempt to prevent future infections. Once the surgical area is healed, and the middle ear space ventilated, infections on the ear are likely to get better.

Signs and Symptoms that Signifies Presence of Infections on the Ear

It is a challenge to recognize the presence of ear infection on children and infants who cannot verbally talk about the ear pain or irritation they could be experiencing. However, if you keenly observe your child and detect the following signs, it could be an indication of ear infection.

• Fever exceeding 38 C
• Frequently scratching or pulling the ear
• Irritability
• Draining fluids from the ear
• Trouble hearing
• In adolescents and adults, the following symptoms are common:
• Frequent ear pain
• A feeling of muffled or indistinct sounds
• Lack of balance
• Poor appetite
• General nausea

If you or your child experience either of the above symptoms, you should contact your pediatrician or otolaryngologist. It is vital to respond urgently to these infections because infections on the ear can be easily treated. Untreated hearing loss infections may lead to chronic or recurrent infections on the ear.

The Link Between Ear Infections and Hearing Loss

Anybody can contract ear infection, affecting the hearing acuity. This can be an unsettling situation, but in most cases, it results in a temporary loss of hearing. Although any loss of hearing should be assessed by professional healthcare. It is crucial to address hearing loss in children early enough because if infections are left untreated, they are likely to experience stretches of mild impairment of hearing in future learning sound and language.

When to Seek Treatment for Infections on the Ear and Loss of Hearing

Early symptoms of an ear infection can indicate the presence of an underlying condition. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial. Seek medical consultation if:

• You experience symptoms lasting more than two days
• The pain in the ear becomes severe
• You observe discharge from you ear
• Your child or infant becomes sleepless

Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing or that of your child due to ear infection, and struggle with communication, contact us today. We provide comprehensive hearing health services and we’re here to help!