How Ear Infections Can Affect Your Hearing — And What You Can Do About It

Posted on by Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants

If you or your child has ever had an ear infection, you know how uncomfortable they can be. But beyond the pain and pressure, ear infections can sometimes affect hearing. Most of the time, this hearing loss is temporary—and with the right care, you can protect your hearing for the long term.

How Can Ear Infections Lead to Hearing Problems?

Senior man with ear pain sitting on sofa at home.

During an ear infection, fluid builds up in the space behind your eardrum, called the middle ear. This trapped fluid can make it harder for sound to pass through your ear normally, causing what’s known as conductive hearing loss. Many describe conductive hearing loss as trying to hear through a wall or thick earmuffs.

Is Ear Infection-Related Hearing Loss Permanent?

In most cases, ear infection-related hearing loss is temporary. Hearing usually returns to normal as the infection heals and the fluid drains. Though less common, the fluid can linger after the infection is gone, continuing to muffle sounds for several weeks.

In rare cases, severe ear infections can damage the eardrum or tiny bones inside the middle ear. This could lead to permanent hearing loss. While this is uncommon, it underscores the importance of timely treatment.

How Can I Help Prevent Ear Infection-Related Hearing Loss?

The good news is that there are several ways you can protect your hearing and reduce your risk of long-term problems:

  1. Treat the root causes. Things like allergies, colds and the flu can cause inflammation and increase your risk of infection. Managing these underlying issues—avoiding allergens, staying up to date on flu vaccines or taking cold medicine—can help lower your risk of ear infections.
  2. Wash your hands. Regular handwashing can lower your risk of catching colds and the flu, which in turn helps reduce your chances of developing ear infections.
  3. Consider ear tubes. If you or your child develops frequent ear infections, your doctor might suggest placing tiny tubes in the eardrums. These ear tubes allow fluid to drain properly and can dramatically cut down the number of infections.
  4. Don’t wait to seek help. If an ear infection isn’t getting better after a few days or your hearing seems affected, it’s important to get it checked out. Quick treatment, sometimes with antibiotics, can help clear the infection before it causes more serious problems like hearing loss.

If you or your child is dealing with frequent ear infections or hearing changes, don’t wait—schedule an appointment at Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today.