Question 1

Do ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, absolutely not. While fluid buildup and inflammation can muffle or block hearing temporarily, hearing usually comes back once the infection has cleared. In more severe or persistent cases, however, hearing loss can become permanent or medical intervention may be required to restore hearing.

Question 2

How long does hearing loss from an infection last?

Accepted Answer

Once the inflammation subsides and fluid drains from the ear, hearing will usually return. Since fluid can linger in the ear for some time after the infection clears, and it may take several weeks to months for hearing to be fully restored.

Question 3

Do inner ear infections affect hearing?

Accepted Answer

Since the inner ear contains vital organs for hearing, inflammation and infection can cause hearing loss. If the tiny hair cells of cochlea are damaged from an infection, hearing loss may become permanent.

Question 4

Do middle ear infections affect hearing?

Accepted Answer

Temporary hearing loss is quite common with middle ear infections. When fluid can't drain from your ear due to swelling, it can muffle or block sound from reaching your inner ear. Recurring or long-term infections can damage the eardrum, which may require medical intervention to repair.

Question 5

Do outer ear infections affect hearing?

Accepted Answer

Since swelling of the ear is a common symptom of an outer ear infection, the narrowing of the ear canal can lead to temporary hearing loss. With treatment, this will generally clear after a few days.

Question 6

Can hearing loss from an infection be reversed?

Accepted Answer

If hearing doesn't return after an infection has cleared, permanent damage may be possible. But don't panic&mdash;there are things that can aid your hearing difficulties. Damage to the eardrum can be addressed with surgery to fix a hole or tear. Hearing aids and implants can also help you hear better again.

Question 7

How can I treat an ear infection?

Accepted Answer

If you're dealing with a mild infection, there are ways to manage the pain until it clears: Use over-the-counter pain medication or ear drops for pain relief, apply a cold or warm cloth to the affected ear, and try not to sleep on it.
Persistent or severe ear infections may require intervention from a doctor. Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, can be used to help clear up infections. For children, placing small tubes in the ear to help with drainage can also be a solution if ear infections keep coming back or to help drain remaining fluid.

Question 8

When will hearing return?

Accepted Answer

Usually when the infection subsides, blockage will clear and you'll regain your hearing as it was before. However, pesky fluid buildup doesn't always make a quick exit. This lingering fluid may cause reduced hearing to last for a few days or even months following the infection.

Question 9

Otitis media with effusion

Accepted Answer

Otitis media with effusion (OME) refers to buildup of non-infected fluid (effusion) behind the eardrum and can accumulate there due to illnesses such as colds, respiratory infections, allergies, or from poor function of the Eustachian tubes (the little tubes linking the middle ear and throat).

Question 10

Chronic otitis media with effusion

Accepted Answer

When fluid gathers in the ear and remains there for a long period of time or continues to return without the presence of an infection, it is labeled chronic. The result can often be new ear infections or difficulty hearing.

Question 11

Chronic suppurative otitis media

Accepted Answer

Simply put, this condition refers to an on-going chronic infection of the middle ear. Repeat ear infections or poorly functioning Eustachian tubes can lead to a ruptured eardrum.

Question 12

Can ear infections spread?

Accepted Answer

As with many types of infections, if untreated for long periods of time, ear infections may spread to other parts of the body. That could include complications such as infection of the bones behind the ear (mastoiditis), spreading to the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or pus collecting in the brain (brain abscess), and rupturing of the ear drum.

Question 13

Middle ear infections

Accepted Answer

The most common type of ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, occurs when the space behind the eardrum becomes inflamed or infected. Since the tiny bones responsible for amplifying sounds&mdash;the rockstars of the ear, if you will&mdash;are located here, these infections may muffle or reduce hearing.

Question 14

Outer ear infections

Accepted Answer

Otitis externa, commonly called swimmer's ear, occurs in the outer canal when water remains trapped in the ear. Moisture becomes a cozy place for bacteria to breed and can lead to itching, redness and swelling of the ear canal.

Question 15

Inner ear infections

Accepted Answer

Medically called labyrinthitis, an infection of the inner ear is often viral and is much less common than other ear infections. Because the inner ear contains delicate organs, an infection can cause both hearing difficulties and issues with balance.

Ear infections and hearing loss

Causes of ear infections

Inner, middle and outer ear infections

Middle ear infections

Outer ear infections

Inner ear infections

What to look out for

An earache, which could be dull or sharp pain

A feeling of fullness in the ear

Irritation in or around the ear

Muffled or difficulty hearing

Discharge or drainage from the ear

What other issues can occur?

Otitis media with effusion

Chronic otitis media with effusion

Chronic suppurative otitis media

Can ear infections spread?

What increases risk of infection?

Do ear infections cause hearing loss?

When will hearing return?

Can hearing loss be permanent?

When should I call the doctor?

Extreme pain or repeat ear infections

A high fever (over 100.4 degrees)

Reduced muscle movement or drooping in the face

Swelling around the ear

How can I treat ear infection?

Can ear infections be prevented?

Don't smoke (and keep yourself or your child away from second-hand smoke)

Keep up to date on vaccinations

Regularly wash hands and avoid sharing food and drinks with others

Ear infections & hearing loss: FAQ

Do ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?

How long does hearing loss from an infection last?

Do inner ear infections affect hearing?

Do middle ear infections affect hearing?

Do outer ear infections affect hearing?

Can hearing loss from an infection be reversed?

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