Ear infection & hearing loss: Explains an expert of hearing aids clinic
Many people wonder whether an ear infection can cause hearing loss. The answer is yes. Though a single ear infection might not lead to any hearing loss, persistent ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss, said an audiologist of a hearing aids clinic.
How can an ear infection lead to hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors - an ear infection is one of them. Both adults and children are prone to develop ear infections. However, according to the opinion of audiologists, children are more likely to have ear infections. The condition is known as Otitis Media.
Otitis media is a type of inflammation in the middle ear, causing fluid buildup. Over time, this fluid comes out as pus, leading to infection.
Audiologists of hearing aids clinic said that 75% of children below the age of three have more chances to develop Otitis Media. The main cause of this is common cold or accumulation of mucus through nasal cavity in middle ear.
If left untreated, the infection can rupture the eardrum and even affects the inner ear causing mixed hearing loss.
In some cases, an ear infection can also occur due to the inflammation or swelling of the Eustachian tube. When a person suffers from an ear infection, the glands of the Eustachian tube get infected, which leads to blockage.
Gradually, the infection becomes worse and causes impaired hearing. Constant ear infections over time might lead to permanent damage to the eardrum.
Symptoms of hearing loss caused due to ear infection
Some of the common symptoms which you might experience are as follows:
Suddenly become inactive or irritated
Increase TV volume quite often
Unable to follow instruction
Frequent scratching or pulling of your ears.
If you experience or notice any of these symptoms in your child, you should consult an audiologist for hearing loss treatment in Kolkata.
Treatment of hearing loss caused due to an ear infection
In most cases, hearing loss caused due to an ear infection is mild and goes away on its own. But persistent infection for a long time needs treatment. If you have an infection in the middle ear, you will be referred to an ENT specialist for surgery or medications.
However, if your audiologist finds that you have permanent hearing issues due to mixed hearing loss, he will test your hearing threshold and recommend hearing aids after a hearing aid trial.
You can get the best hearing machines in Kolkata according to your requirement and budget.
Conclusion
Ear infections need quick treatment otherwise accumulation of excess fluid buildup can even lead to permanent hearing loss.
