Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHearing Loss and Ear InfectionsCausesSignsTreatmentPreventionWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Hearing Loss and Ear Infections
Causes
Signs
Treatment
Prevention
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Ear infections, which are very common in children, can cause hearing loss, but it’s usually temporary.
Read on to learn more about hearing loss due to an ear infection and how to treat and prevent ear infections.
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Approximately 3 out of 4 children will have at least one ear infection before age 3.Ear infections also occur in adults but much less frequently.
Ear infections can cause muffled or impaired hearing. This is almost always temporary; normal hearing will return once the infection clears and swelling goes down. But if you or your child has hearing problems that last longer than a few days, call your healthcare provider for further treatment.
Middle Ear
The most common type of ear infection is amiddle earinfection, also known asotitis media. The middle ear (tympanic cavity) transforms sound waves into vibrations via the ossicles, which take sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. The middle ear contains:
An ear infection can lead to temporary swelling and/or fluid in the middle ear. This affects the way sound travels through the ear, leading to hearing problems.
Who Do Ear Infections Affect?Adults can get ear infections, but they’re much more common in children. About 75% of children will have one (or more) before their third birthday, while only 1-2% of adults over the age of 24 will get one.Children are more prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes are narrower and don’t drain as well.
Who Do Ear Infections Affect?
Adults can get ear infections, but they’re much more common in children. About 75% of children will have one (or more) before their third birthday, while only 1-2% of adults over the age of 24 will get one.Children are more prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes are narrower and don’t drain as well.
It’s helpful to know the signs of an ear infection in a child since they may not be able to tell you that something’s wrong. Look out for:
In adults, common symptoms can include:
Since these can be symptoms of other conditions, it’s best to see your healthcare provider for an exam to get an accurate diagnosis.
Other treatments can include:
Sometimes a provider will also suggest autoinsufflation. This can help balance the air pressure in your ear. You pinch your nose and then gently breathe out, which forces air through the eustachian tube.
You can’t prevent an ear infection, but you can reduce your chances of getting one. People who smoke or who are often around smokers are more likely to get ear infections.
If you’re having difficulty controlling your allergies or notice you get frequent colds, talk with your healthcare provider. And if you go swimming, dry your ears well afterward.
Even if your ear infection ultimately clears up on its own, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider to confirm that’s what’s causing your symptoms. You should also see your healthcare provider if your ear infection causes hearing problems that last longer than a few days.
Summary
Ear infections can happen in both children and adults, although they are far more common in children. Sometimes an ear infection will cause temporary hearing problems, but your hearing should return to normal as the ear infection gets better. See your healthcare provider if you continue to notice hearing issues after a few days.
A Word From Verywell
Even if it’s only temporary, unexpected hearing loss can be frustrating and scary for both children and their caretakers. Keep in mind that ear infections are very common in children, and any hearing problems should only last for a few days. But don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.
Hearing loss due to an ear infection is usually temporary. Permanent hearing loss is almost always very gradual, and treatments are available to protect the hearing you still have. It’s always a good idea to contact your healthcare provider if you notice a change in your hearing.
It might be painful or itchy. You might also have a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear and notice muffled hearing. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ear infection (otitis media).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection basics.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Middle-ear infection in adults.UpToDate.Acute otitis media in adults.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ear infection (otitis media).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection basics.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Middle-ear infection in adults.UpToDate.Acute otitis media in adults.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ear infection (otitis media).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection basics.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Middle-ear infection in adults.UpToDate.Acute otitis media in adults.National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ear infection (otitis media).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection basics.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Middle-ear infection in adults.
UpToDate.Acute otitis media in adults.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Ear infections in children.
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