Can Ear Infections Cause Permanent Hearing Loss?

11 October 2021

Ear infections, while often clearing up naturally, can lead to severe hearing issues, including permanent hearing loss if they are persistent or recurring. An ear infection is typically caused by fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum, where bacteria and viruses can thrive and cause infection.

Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults and have a wide range of symptoms, while adults may only experience a few while their infection rapidly develops. Symptoms can include having trouble hearing, fluid draining from the ear, or, most commonly, pain. These infections should be addressed the moment symptoms begin and evaluated by a professional to minimize symptoms and possible future complications like hearing loss or other ear damage.

Causes and Risk Factors

Ear infections are often linked to other illnesses that can bring swelling and congestion to the nose and throat. The eustachian tubes connect the middle ears on both sides of the head to the top of the back of the throat behind the nasal airways. When other illnesses are present and the eustachian tubes swell in response to the infection, fluids, and bacteria can travel up the tube and build up in the middle ear.

Many conditions can cause ear infections without a congestive illness. Many more severe and persistent infections occur when fluid builds up without an infection, or the ear can't return to normal after an infection. They can also occur when an infection persists even after treatment and creates complications like a hole in the eardrum.

Complications

While many of these infections won't have long-term effects, there can be several complications in the physical ear itself, like permanent hearing loss, with more severe and persistent infections. A common ear infection may cause temporary or mild fluctuating hearing loss that should eventually clear up. Still, with consistent infections that persist into ear diseases, the hearing loss can become permanent.

Infections that spread to the middle ear and cannot be cleared can continue to spread to different parts of the ears and head. The eardrum can also tear during these infections. In most cases, eardrum tears heal over a few days but may require repair with surgery.

Prevention

There are a few ways to potentially reduce the onset of ear infections. Getting the flu shot, staying healthy, and avoiding colds and other illnesses can help mitigate the fluid build-up. It can also be helpful to avoid smoking and inhaling tobacco smoke. Being aware of the body's processes and the immediate onset of the infection can help minimize complications.