Hearing loss after ear infection

Laura James | Published 15 November 2024 | Updated 12 December 2024 | 5 mins read

Can ear infections cause hearing loss?

Ear infections can cause hearing loss, particularly if they are severe or if they are left untreated for some time. The hearing loss you experience can either be temporary or permanent and can be either conductive (due to a blockage or complication in the ear structure) or sensorineural (caused by damage to the cochlear nerve).

Types of Ear Infections That May Affect Hearing

Inner ear infections – Infections that affect the innermost parts of the ear. This part of your ear is responsible for balance and hearing. When the labyrinth is irritated or inflamed, it can impact the nerves responsible for hearing. You can experience a number of different symptoms, including hearing loss. Typically these types of infection are caused by viruses but they can also be bacterial.
Middle ear infections – Also known as Otitis Media, middle ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses and are commonly accompanied by redness, swelling and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. This fluid build-up will often cause temporary hearing loss that will go away once the infection does.
Outer ear infections – Outer ear infections are common in those who swim frequently, smoke, have low immunity, or even those who wear hearing aids or spend a lot of time wearing headphones. They are usually caused by bacteria or fungus. Swimmer’s ear is a common type of outer ear infection that affects your ear canal and causes it to become inflamed and blocked.
Chronic ear infections – If you are prone to recurrent infections, you may find that they can lead to further complications and hearing loss.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss After an Ear Infection

There are a few different symptoms of hearing loss after an infection, even if the infection itself has cleared. If you notice any of the following symptoms after your ear infections have cleared up or if you have any concerns about your symptoms, speak to your doctor.

Muffled hearing or difficulty understanding speech.

Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).

Ear pain or discomfort.

Balance problems in more severe cases.

Diagnosing Hearing Loss After an Ear Infection

If you notice that your hearing hasn’t come back following an ear infection, you should visit your doctor or audiologist to diagnose the issue.

They will use multiple different methods to determine your hearing loss and whether it is temporary or permanent and how to treat it.

Diagnostic methods include:

Otoscopy (examining the ear canal and eardrum).

Audiometry tests to measure hearing function.

Tympanometry to assess middle ear pressure and fluid buildup.

Speech testing.

How to treat hearing loss after ear infection

The treatment of your hearing loss will depend on the cause. If your infection is bacterial, you may be offered antibiotics to help combat the infection. For fluid build-up, you may be prescribed decongestants or anti-histamines to help ease the excess fluid and inflammation. In cases of chronic middle ear issues or recurring infections, you may be offered ear tubes or grommets – small tubes inserted surgically into your ear drums – to help drain excess fluid and prevent further infections.

Recovering from a hearing loss after ear infection

Hearing loss caused by an ear infection is usually temporary and resolves on its own after a few days. If symptoms persist for more than a week, it’s important to see your doctor or audiologist who can offer you further treatment. Chronic or recurring ear infections, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more-significant hearing loss. However, if there is some permanent damage to the eardrum, middle ear structures, or the cochlear nerve, permanent hearing loss may occur in which case you will need to seek specialised care.

When to See a Doctor About Hearing Loss

If you experience any of the following symptoms, make sure you speak to your doctor or audiologist as soon as possible.

Severe pain.

Persistent hearing problems after treatment.

Dizziness or discharge from the ear.

If you experience sudden hearing loss not associated with wax buildup, visit A&E.

Whether you’re concerned about your hearing following an infection, you have a history of hearing issues, or it’s just been a while since you had your hearing checked, it’s a good idea to book in for a hearing assessment. The Hearing Care Partnership offers free hearing assessments. Book a free hearing test at your local branch today.