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Sudden Hearing Loss, But Not Completely Deaf. Symptoms Of Middle Ear Infection Or Simple Cold?
First thing s first, I m on the second half of a cold, as in, in 2-3 I d be all good. But anyway, yesterday or the day before I started noticing that my left ear was a little off, it wasn t substantial but whenever I turned on the faucet in my bathroom, I would instantly notice the difference in hearing between both ears. Today however, I took a nap around noon for a few minutes, woke up, and noticed that my left ear had gotten a little worse, by little I mean about 2x as muffled but not deaf, not even close. I looked around online as to what it could be and the possible causes are: earwax build up, ear infection, ruptured eardrum. I don t think it s a perforated eardrum or even an infection because as I said I don t feel any pain. As for the earwax, it doesn t really feel like anything is clogged in there, but what do I know, I ve never had those. I tried the Hydrogen Peroxide solution, felt like it did something but it didn t. Could it be that I just blew my nose too hard? I guess you could also call it sudden hearing loss but not completely deaf. It was very subtle before, then got worse after I took that nap. I hope it s short term... I d like some opinion on this before I consider going to a professional. I don t feel any pain so I m not in a panic, but the thought of permanent hearing loss is worrying. Any suggestions for remedies and aid in diagnosis are all welcome. ++ I found on a website about MIDDLE ear infections? I read that they happen during or after a cold, are beyond the eardrum, can be painless, and accompanied by hearing loss. Could this be my condition?
posted on
Tue, 21 May 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 21 May 2013
Answered on
Wed, 22 May 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The hearing loss is likely related to the upper respiratory infection that you are currently experiencing.
It is possible that it is due to a middle ear infection or eusthacian tube dysfunction ( this can be related to middle ear infections or other causes)
The eusthacian tube is responsible for (1) equalising the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere,
(2)it also protects the middle ear from secretions and sound pressure
(3)clearance or drainage of secretions from the middle ear to the nasopharynx
It is likely that the hearing loss will resolve soon after the infection. It can sometimes take up to 4 to 6 weeks for hearing to return.
I hope this helps
The hearing loss is likely related to the upper respiratory infection that you are currently experiencing.
It is possible that it is due to a middle ear infection or eusthacian tube dysfunction ( this can be related to middle ear infections or other causes)
The eusthacian tube is responsible for (1) equalising the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere,
(2)it also protects the middle ear from secretions and sound pressure
(3)clearance or drainage of secretions from the middle ear to the nasopharynx
It is likely that the hearing loss will resolve soon after the infection. It can sometimes take up to 4 to 6 weeks for hearing to return.
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
User's Response
Dr. Sharmila Bura's
Response
Hello, Protect your ears from loud noises. If you are outdoors and hear a loud sound such a siren or a train whistle, cover your ears; If you are in a car, roll up the windows.
Play music at a low to moderate level, and wear earplugs if you must attend a loud concert.
For those of you who cannot avoid exposure to noises because of your job, invest in earphones that cover your ears. and rest in a quiet place as often as you can. Regards.
Play music at a low to moderate level, and wear earplugs if you must attend a loud concert.
For those of you who cannot avoid exposure to noises because of your job, invest in earphones that cover your ears. and rest in a quiet place as often as you can. Regards.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
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