Can an Ear Infection Lead to Hearing Loss?

Ear infections are common, uncomfortable, and often worrying. Each year, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues account for around 10-20% of adult GP visits, and 50% of all childhood consultations. While most ear infection issues are benign, it can cause changes in your hearing, which causes many of us to ask whether an ear infection can actually cause hearing loss. The short answer is yes.

In this article, we’ll hopefully ease your anxiety by explaining how ear infections affect hearing, when hearing loss may last longer, and when it's essential to seek professional advice.

How Ear Infections Affect Hearing

Hearing relies on sound traveling smoothly through the ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear before being processed by the inner ear and brain. When this process is disrupted, our hearing often suffers. Ear infections can occur at various areas of your ears, causing slight differences in symptoms you may notice.

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

The most common type of ear infection occurs in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. These infections often cause a build-up of fluid, which prevents sound from passing through efficiently. This leads to what’s known as conductive hearing loss.

If you have a middle ear infection, you may notice muffled or blocked hearing, with one ear being affected more than the other (but both can be affected).

In the majority of cases, hearing returns to normal after treatment. However, there are rare situations where longer-term or permanent hearing loss may occur due to repeated or untreated infections.

Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis)

Damage to the inner ear can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, which is more likely to be permanent. Fortunately, this is far less common than temporary conductive loss.

If you have an inner ear infection, you may notice that your hearing doesn't improve after the infection settles.

Typically, you'll also experience ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus), dizziness/balance problems, worsening pain, and fluid discharge from the ear.

If hearing loss continues for more than a few weeks, it's essential to have it checked.

How Hearing Loss from an Ear Infection Is Diagnosed

An audiologist or hearing specialist can assess whether your hearing loss is temporary or something that needs further treatment. They can do this through a visual examination of the ear, hearing tests to measure sound levels, or a middle ear pressure test to detect fluid.

Identifying the cause early is vital to help prevent long-term issues and ensure the right treatment is provided.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection. Normally, you may be given antibiotics, ear drops, or anti-inflammatory medicine to manage the infection. In some cases, the fluid build-up will also be monitored to keep ahead of more serious infections developing. Temporary hearing support may also be provided if needed.

Once the infection resolves, hearing usually improves gradually. In cases where hearing does not return to normal, further investigation or hearing support may be recommended.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If you or your child experience frequent ear infections, recurring hearing issues, or ongoing muffled hearing, a professional hearing assessment can provide reassurance and clarity. Early intervention plays a key role in protecting long-term hearing health.

You can contact hear pure to receive a hearing assessment to determine the causes of your hearing difficulty. Fill out our form or give us a call at 01244 311142 (Chester) or 0151 342 6325 (Heswall)

Key Takeaways

An ear infection can lead to hearing loss, but for most people, the hearing loss is temporary and reversible with the right care.

Permanent hearing damage from an ear infection is uncommon, especially when symptoms are treated promptly.

If you’re concerned about your hearing after an ear infection, a professional assessment can help determine the cause and next steps, giving you confidence and peace of mind.