Can an Ear Infection Cause Hearing Loss?

06 Apr 2023

Ear infections are a common ailment that can affect people of all ages. While they are usually treated without complication, in some cases, an ear infection can cause hearing loss. This can be a worrying development, especially for those who depend on their hearing for work, school, or daily communication.

In this article, we will explore the relationship between ear infections and hearing loss, including the types, symptoms, and treatment options available. We will also discuss the importance of seeking medical attention if you suspect you have an ear infection, as early detection and ear infection treatment can prevent long-term hearing issues.

The Types of Ear Infections

There are three forms of ear infections.

Outer ear infections – Often called ‘swimmers ear’, this type of infection causes inflamation of the external ear canal.
Middle ear infections – Occuring behind the eardrum, this gives the feeling of a plugged ear. Depending on its stage, this may or may not result in pain.
Inner ear infections – Often referred to as labyrinthitis, this results in reduced hearing and dizziness.

Ear Infection Symptoms

Ear infections can cause a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. These symptoms can vary depending on the age of the person affected and the type of infection they are experiencing. Some common symptoms of an ear infection include:

Pain or discomfort in the ear: This is one of the most common symptoms of an ear infection. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. It can also affect one or both ears.
Fluid draining from the ear: In some cases, an ear infection can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, which can lead to drainage from the ear. The fluid may be clear, yellow, or bloody and may have a foul odor.
Difficulty hearing: Ear infections can cause hearing loss, which can make it difficult to hear sounds clearly. This is especially true in cases where the infection is severe or if it goes untreated for an extended period.
Fever: Ear infections can cause a fever, which can be a sign that the body is fighting off an infection.
A general feeling of illness: Ear infections can cause malais: a general feeling of illness, including fatigue, irritability, and loss of appetite.

It is essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms. Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from causing long-term damage to the ear and potentially causing hearing loss.

The Connection Between an Ear Infection and Hearing Loss?

Ear infections are a common cause of hearing loss, especially in children. The middle ear is connected to the Eustachian tube, which helps regulate pressure in the ear. When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked due to an ear infection, fluid builds up in the middle ear and the pressure in the middle ear can build up causing a lot of pain. This pressure buildup can potentially cause the eardrum to rupture which would result in relief of pain, but there would be significant fluid draining from the ear. If left untreated, this can result in chronic infections and a permanent perforation of the eardrum. This can result in temporary or permanent conductive hearing loss. There are rare cases of untreated middle ear infection where the infection spreads into the skull resulting in meningitis. Infections will more commonly spread to the mastoid bone just behind the ear which can damage the bone and form pus-filled cysts.

Furthermore, a middle ear infection can spread to the inner ear causing damage to the delicate structure in the inner ear called the labyrinth. This is called labyrinthitis. The effects of labyrinthitis is dizzyness and hearing loss.

The type of hearing loss caused by an ear infection depends on the severity and duration of the infection. In some cases, hearing loss caused by an ear infection can be temporary and can be restored with medical treatment. This treatment may involve ear drops, antibiotics to clear up the infection or the placement of ear tubes to help drain fluid from the middle ear. In other cases, the hearing loss may be permanent, especially if the infection is severe and goes untreated for an extended period.

It is important to note that not all ear infections lead to hearing loss. Many ear infections are treated without complications and do not cause any hearing damage. However, it is essential to seek medical attention if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, such as pain or discomfort in the ear, fluid draining from the ear, difficulty hearing, fever, and a general feeling of illness.

Prevention of Hearing Loss Caused By an Ear Infection

Although not all ear infections can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing an ear infection and prevent hearing loss caused by an infection. Here are some tips for preventing hearing loss caused by an ear infection.

Practice good hygiene: Washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with people who have a cold or flu can help reduce your risk of contracting a cold or flu. This is because ear infections often occur as a complication of a respiratory infection.
Keep your ears clean and dry: Excess moisture in the ear can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to an infection. Use a towel to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering, and avoid putting objects in your ear, such as cotton swabs, which can push wax further into the ear canal and increase the risk of infection.
Don’t put objects in your ear canals: Often people believe they are cleaning their ears, but ear canals are doing more harm than good. Less is more for keeping your ears clean.
Don’t try to remove your ear wax: People regularly block their own ears by their attempts to clean their own earwax with a variety of tools. More harm to the ear canals happens as a result of attempting ear wax management on your own.

Prevention is key to reducing the risk of developing an ear infection and preventing hearing loss caused by an infection.

What Other Conditions Can Cause Hearing Loss?

While ear infections are a common hearing loss cause, there are many other conditions that can also lead to hearing impairment. Here are some examples of other conditions that can cause hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a natural decline in hearing that occurs as we age. It is often caused by changes in the inner ear that occur over time and can lead to difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and understanding speech.
Noise-induced hearing loss: Exposure to loud noises over an extended period can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the exposure.
Ototoxic medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to hearing loss.
Genetics: Inherited genetics can cause hearing loss, and some genetic conditions, such as Usher syndrome, can cause both hearing and vision loss.
Trauma: Trauma to the ear, head, or neck can damage the ear and lead to hearing loss. This can include injuries from a car accident, sports injury, or exposure to an explosion or other loud noise.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, ear infections are a common condition that can cause temporary hearing loss. It is important to recognize the symptoms of an ear infection and seek medical attention promptly if you suspect that you or your child has an ear infection. Early treatment can help prevent complications, such as hearing loss, and reduce the risk of developing chronic ear infections.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss or other symptoms of a hearing problem, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent long-term hearing damage and improve the overall quality of life.