Hearing loss can be either permanent or temporary, often depending on the cause. Let’s take a look at a few of the common causes of temporary hearing loss as well as how to treat it.
See a Doctor if You Suddenly Lose Hearing
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), commonly referred to as sudden deafness is a rapid loss of hearing that happens either all at once or over the course of a few days. It often only affects one ear.
While there may be relatively benign causes for this that will resolve in time, such as exposure to loud noise or a recent cold, it’s always best to see a doctor if you suddenly lose hearing. Some more serious conditions that may cause SSHL include:
- Head trauma
- Autoimmune diseases
- Circulation problems
- Neurological disorders
SSHL may require treatment with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. The sooner they are used the more effective they will be in reversing or reducing permanent hearing loss.
3 Common Causes of Temporary Hearing Loss
The cause of temporary hearing loss can’t always be identified. However, there are several more common culprits:
Ear Infections
Ear infections are most common in children, but adults can get them as well. Sometimes they can cause muffled hearing. Many ear infections will go away on their own. However, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor just in case. If your infection is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Exposure to Loud Noise
Have you ever been to a loud concert at The Oil Palace only to come back home and have a ringing in your ears or muffled hearing? If so, then you know the effect loud noise can have on your ears.
Repeated exposure to noises over 85 dB can cause hearing loss. The louder the noise, the shorter the amount of time it takes for hearing issues to occur. Research has estimated that up to 40 million adults in the US under the age of 70 may have some degree of hearing loss due to noise exposure.
Avoiding or reducing exposure to loud noises as well as wearing earplugs or other protective devices when involved in a loud activity can help minimize your risk of hearing loss.
Earwax Buildup
Occasionally earwax can build up and block your ear canal, which can cause your ears to feel plugged. You may also experience tinnitus (ringing in the ear) or temporary hearing loss. It’s best to contact your physician to remove earwax buildup. Attempting to do so yourself may only push the wax back further and cause impaction.
If you are experiencing hearing loss in one or both ears, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at SoundLogic to schedule an appointment today.