Can An Ear Infection Cause Hearing Loss? Top 5 Reasons For Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not necessarily acquired at birth and could be gained later in life for several reasons. In this article, we will cover the various possible causes of hearing loss.
1. Earwax
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance that plays several important roles in the ears, such as protecting the ear canal, trapping dirt and debris, and helping to maintain the skin barrier. Earwax is produced in the outer third of the ear canal by sebaceous glands.
Earwax is helpful, but it is also easy to get dried up and stick to the outer ear. This can lead to a lot of problems, including hearing loss. Moreover, hearing loss because of earwax is a common condition, especially among those who can’t remove earwax from their ears.
If you think you have hearing loss because of earwax, remove it immediately. Use mineral oil or baby oil to soften it and remove it with a cotton swab. Remember to always clean and dry your ears after swimming to avoid getting an ear infection.
2. Trauma & Inflammation
There are two main types of trauma to the ear: blunt trauma and penetrating trauma. Blunt trauma is the most common type, and it happens when your ear is hit or struck by something. A penetrating trauma occurs when something pierces your ear.
Both blunt and penetrating trauma can cause hearing loss. Wear protective earplugs when shooting guns, riding a motorcycle, or doing other noisy activities to avoid hearing loss.
Hearing loss can also be caused by inflammation. Inflammation is a response of the body to any type of irritation. It happens when the body sends white blood cells to the site of damage. Inflammation is a part of the healing process and is helpful in the short term. However, when it becomes chronic, problems arise. Inflammation can cause severe hearing loss when it affects the eardrum. Therefore, it should be taken care of on time.
3. Damaged Eardrum
The eardrum is a thin membrane that covers the entrance to the middle ear. The eardrum has the role of helping to hear and protecting the inner ear from infections and other external particles.
The eardrum can be broken by trauma, a fight, a fever, a high temperature, a loud noise, and some illnesses, among other things. A broken eardrum can cause a hearing loss if it does not heal properly.
4. Aging
As you age, your ears become less sensitive to sound. This is called presbycusis. Presbycusis is a common condition that affects hearing and occurs in people who are 50 years old and above.
Decreased hearing sensitivity is caused by the degradation of the hair cells present in the inner ear. The hair cells are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain, where they are converted into sound.
The degradation of the hair cells is a normal process and happens to everyone. However, the rate at which it occurs is dependent on the individual.
5. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss happens when exposed to high noise levels and has no ear protection. It can be caused by work-related activities, music, and sports.
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, and once the damage is done, it cannot be undone. The only way to treat noise-induced hearing loss is to lessen the exposure to noise by taking preventative measures like wearing earplugs.
Conclusion
Several different things can cause hearing loss, and the options for a hearing loss treatment are numerous. It all depends on the severity and cause of hearing loss. If you believe you are suffering from this condition, it is best to get checked immediately.
If you were advised to get hearing aids, you could get some from us at HearGlow. We sell affordable and discreet hearing aids, making them more accessible for everyone. Purchase your hearing aids from us today!
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