Temporary Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Many people believe that acquired hearing loss occurs gradually. Contrary to this popular belief, hearing loss can happen almost instantly.

To put the sudden hearing loss into words, both your ears would be working just fine, and all of a sudden, one ear ceases to hear sounds.

The whole experience of sudden hearing loss can be confusing and cause dizziness. And, in more than 90% of cases, sudden hearing loss occurs in only one ear.

But the relieving factor is that sudden hearing loss can be temporary if the treatment is provided early.

Temporary Hearing Loss - An Overview

Temporary or sudden hearing loss is associated with bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear. Middle ear infection leads to a buildup of fluid which again fuels infection.

The fluid, infection, and swelling disrupt the soundwaves reach the inner ear, causing hearing loss in the infected ear.

Symptoms of Temporary Hearing Loss

The hearing will be back within 24-48 hours, but it can permanently damage the infected ear. It is imperative to observe the symptoms and seek proper medical help.

Here are a few symptoms to look out for in temporary hearing loss scenarios. If you are a parent, knowing these symptoms help your loved one to a great extent.

• Suddenly one of the two ears loses hearing ability.
• Muffled sound in one of the ears.
• Dizziness, confusion, and vomiting.
• A sense of losing balance and focus.
• Continuous ringing sensation.

Causes for Temporary Hearing Loss

Temporary hearing loss has many contributing reasons, from ear infections to exposure to loud noises or sounds.

These causes are different from temporary hearing loss in children and kids. Here are a few common reasons behind temporary hearing loss in kids and adults.

1. Earwax Buildup
• Earwax is good for the ear. The human body has an intelligent mechanism that discards earwax before it builds up.
• However, there can be times when the earwax gets stuck in the canal and starts building up.
• Long-term buildup can hinder the ability to hear and causes infections that can pave their way to the mid-air.
• The infection can impact the eardrum causing temporary hearing loss.
2. Infections of Middle Ear
• Caused by various viruses and bacteria, multiple ear infections can cause fluids that can damage the eardrum.
• In some cases, the fluid pressure on the eardrum can be so much that it can cause rupture, leading to sudden hearing loss.
• These infections can start from a simple cold or severe allergic reaction in some people.
3. Swimmer’s Ear
• It is a commonly known infection in recent swimmers and children learning swimming.
• The infection can start with itchy ears and pain or discomfort in the ears. This is because the water did not drain properly from the canal.
• Based on the infection, it can be excruciating. If you observe your child’s symptoms, visit your nearest ENT doctor.
4. Exposure to Loud Noises for Long
• If you are an adult who loves music at a higher volume or someone who lives nearby the airports or loud-noise-making factories, take care of your ears now!
• Long-term exposure to loud noises can disrupt your hearing by causing damage to the cells that transmit sound waves to the brain.
• Loud noises can damage the tiny hair cells known as the soundwave transmitters if the ears are exposed for a long time.
• Even though this does not cause pain or discomfort, loud noise exposure is one of the leading causes of eardrum rupture and permanent hearing loss.
5. Heart and Hearing Loss
• You might wonder that what’s the relation between heart and hearing. It’s the blood relation.
• Heart or cardiovascular issues can negatively impact both peripheral and central auditory systems.
• The heart pumps blood to all the body parts — including the ears. When the blood circulation to the ear is not at the required level, it can lead to hearing loss.
6. Obesity and Hearing Loss
• Like heart and hearing loss, this connection boils down to blood circulation.
• An inactive lifestyle is one of the reasons for obesity. Low metabolism, narrow blood vessels, and high blood pressure can decrease blood circulation to the cochlea, causing hearing loss.

Apart from these, medicinal side effects can lead to temporary hearing loss. Common medications such as aspirin can cause a ringing sensation in the ear.

If you are someone with a heart condition or a stroke survivor experiencing disturbing hearing or temporary hearing loss, seek appropriate medical help.

The ability to hear determines your quality of life. If you are experiencing any discomfort or difficulty in hearing, get in touch with Vikram ENT Hospital in Coimbatore for comprehensive ear care, starting from cochlear implants, hearing aids, ear surgery, and more.