Hearing loss after ear infection: things to know
Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses enter the ear, leading to inflammation, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. The most common type is otitis media, a middle ear infection that many people associate with typical ear infection symptoms. However, infections can also affect the outer or inner ear—each of which carries a risk of hearing complications. In many cases, hearing loss after an ear infection is temporary and improves once the infection clears. However, more serious or untreated infections can cause long-term issues, including deafness following an ear infection.
This can happen if the infection causes permanent damage to the delicate structures of the ear or affects the auditory nerves. Each type of ear infection—whether in the outer, middle, or inner ear—can lead to ear infection damage to hearing. While the symptoms may overlap, the underlying cause and extent of damage can vary. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your hearing, especially after an ear infection. Understanding the signs early and responding promptly can help prevent lasting hearing loss after an ear infection. If you're experiencing symptoms such as muffled hearing, ear pain, or a sense of fullness in the ear, it’s best to consult a doctor or audiologist. Regular hearing checks can also play a vital role in protecting your long-term hearing health. Learn more in our article.
Can an ear infection lead to hearing loss?
Ear infections are very common, and most people will experience one at some point in their lives. A frequent symptom of many types of ear infections is hearing loss, which is usually temporary and resolves on its own without treatment. That said, if an ear infection is left untreated—especially more serious cases—it can sometimes result in long-term or even permanent damage. This raises an important question: can an ear infection cause hearing loss, or even can an ear infection cause deafness? In some instances, the answer is yes, which is why it’s crucial to monitor your hearing and seek medical advice if you notice any changes. There are several kinds of ear infections that can lead to hearing difficulties, whether temporary or permanent. These include infections of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Because the symptoms often overlap, it’s important to have your ears examined by a doctor or audiologist to determine the exact type and cause of the infection.
If you're experiencing sudden hearing loss and using ear drops hasn't helped, it could be a sign of hearing damage related to an ear infection. Hearing loss caused by infections—whether in the outer, middle, or inner ear—can develop quickly and may become permanent if left untreated. Don’t ignore the symptoms. Schedule an appointment with one of our certified audiologists for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. We offer a complimentary hearing test to help you understand the cause of your hearing loss and take the next step toward protecting your hearing health.
Hearing loss after an inner ear infection
Inner ear infections, also known as labyrinthitis, affect the deepest part of the ear — the labyrinth — which plays a vital role in both hearing and balance. When this area becomes inflamed or irritated, it can interfere with the auditory nerves, often leading to symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, and temporary hearing loss.
These infections are most commonly viral, though bacterial infections can also be a cause. In most cases, inner ear infections clear up on their own within two to four weeks. However, more severe cases can result in lasting damage to the inner ear structures or blood vessels, potentially leading to sensorineural hearing loss — a mostly permanent form of hearing loss. Because the inner ear is well-protected, infections in this area are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they’re considered more serious.
One of the most concerning outcomes of an inner ear infection is sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which can become permanent if not treated promptly. This type of hearing loss usually affects only one ear and may develop within minutes or hours. If you experience a sudden drop in hearing, it's essential to seek medical help right away. Early intervention — ideally within three to five days — can significantly improve the chances of restoring your hearing.
Losing hearing from ear infection in middle ear
Middle ear conditions, inflammations and cures
The middle ear is a small, air-filled space behind the eardrum that plays a key role in hearing. Several middle ear conditions can affect this area, the most common being infections and inflammations that interfere with normal hearing and cause discomfort or pain.
One of the most frequent issues is inflammation in the middle ear, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. This condition is known as otitis media, and it typically occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum due to poor drainage through the Eustachian tube. Inflammation can cause symptoms such as earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, difficulty hearing, and sometimes fever.
Other middle ear conditions include:
- Chronic otitis media (persistent infection with fluid that doesn’t drain properly)
- Otitis media with effusion (fluid build-up without active infection)
- Tympanic membrane perforation (a ruptured eardrum often resulting from infection or trauma)
- Cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear, usually caused by repeated infections)
When it comes to finding a cure for a middle ear infection, treatment will depend on the severity and cause. In many cases, middle ear infections resolve on their own within a few days. However, medical treatment may include:
- Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
- Pain relief (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Warm compresses to ease discomfort
- Myringotomy (a minor surgical procedure to drain fluid in severe or chronic cases)
- Ear grommets (small tubes inserted into the eardrum to help fluid drain and prevent future infections)
If you suspect a middle ear condition, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Prompt care can help prevent complications and protect your long-term hearing health.
Outer ear infection, otitis and hearing loss
Yes, ear infections can cause hearing loss, particularly when they affect the outer ear. While this hearing loss is usually temporary, it can be distressing — especially if left untreated. One of the most common types of outer ear infection is otitis externa, often referred to as swimmer’s ear. This condition occurs when the ear canal becomes inflamed, typically due to bacterial or fungal infections.
Outer ear infections are especially common among people who swim frequently, wear hearing aids or headphones for long periods, smoke, or have weakened immune systems. In many cases, the infection develops when moisture gets trapped in the ear canal — for example, after swimming — creating an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. Minor cuts or scratches inside the ear can also allow infections to take hold.
Symptoms of otitis externa may include:
- Swelling of the ear canal
- Itching or pain in the ear
- Discharge or fluid from the ear
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
- Temporary hearing loss
This loss of hearing after an ear infection, particularly in the outer ear, is usually caused by swelling or a build-up of infected material that blocks the ear canal. Fortunately, in most cases, hearing returns to normal once the infection is treated and the inflammation subsides. If you’re in the UK and experiencing hearing problems following an outer ear infection — or you're wondering "do ear infections cause hearing loss?" — it’s important to speak to a GP or audiologist.
Treatments often include antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, and in some cases, cleaning the ear canal professionally. Prompt care can help restore hearing and prevent complications.
Can otitis cause hearing loss and pain in the ears?
Yes, otitis—an infection or inflammation of the ear—can definitely cause both hearing loss and pain in the ears. Otitis can affect different parts of the ear: the outer ear (otitis externa), the middle ear (otitis media), or the inner ear (otitis interna or labyrinthitis). Each type can result in varying symptoms and degrees of hearing loss. The most common form, otitis media, is an infection of the middle ear that often follows a cold or respiratory infection. It leads to fluid buildup and inflammation behind the eardrum, which can cause intense ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and temporary hearing loss. This is because the fluid interferes with the normal movement of the eardrum and the tiny bones responsible for conducting sound. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, causes pain and swelling in the outer ear canal. This swelling can block the ear canal and lead to muffled or reduced hearing. In more serious cases, it can also result in discharge or drainage from the ear. While hearing loss from otitis is usually temporary, repeated or severe infections—especially if left untreated—can cause long-term damage to the ear structures, leading to permanent hearing loss. If you’re experiencing ear pain and hearing changes, it’s important to seek medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment—whether through medication, ear drops, or other interventions—can relieve discomfort and help protect your long-term hearing health.
Can acute otitis media cause permanent hearing loss?
In most cases, acute otitis media (AOM) — a sudden infection of the middle ear — causes temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup and inflammation behind the eardrum. This type of hearing loss is known as conductive hearing loss and usually resolves within a few days to weeks once the infection clears and the fluid drains. However, in rare cases, acute otitis media can cause permanent hearing loss, particularly if the infection is severe, recurrent, or left untreated. Here’s how it can happen:
- Eardrum Damage: Repeated or intense infections can weaken the eardrum, leading to perforations (tears) that may not heal properly. Chronic damage to the eardrum can interfere with sound conduction.
- Ossicle Damage: The middle ear contains three small bones (ossicles) that transmit sound. Ongoing inflammation from repeated infections can damage these bones, resulting in lasting hearing loss.
- Inner Ear Involvement: In rare instances, the infection can spread to the inner ear (cochlea), damaging nerve endings and causing sensorineural hearing loss, which is typically permanent.
- Chronic Otitis Media: If fluid remains trapped in the middle ear for months, or if AOM becomes chronic, long-term hearing issues and developmental delays in children may occur.
- When to Seek Help: If hearing doesn’t return to normal within a few weeks after an infection, or if infections are frequent, consult an ENT specialist. Early treatment helps reduce the risk of permanent damage.
Causes of otitis media and clogged ears
Otitis media, or a middle ear infection, is a common condition that can cause symptoms such as ear pain, temporary hearing loss, a clogged infected ear, and sometimes fever. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, often due to a cold, allergies, or sinus congestion, and becomes infected by bacteria or viruses. A bacterial ear infection is one of the leading causes of otitis media. When bacteria invade the trapped fluid in the middle ear, the area becomes inflamed and painful. This can lead to a clogged ear feeling, muffled hearing, and a sense of pressure. The eardrum may appear red or bulging due to the build-up of fluid and pus. Many people ask: can an ear infection cause fever? Yes, it can. A bacterial infection often triggers the body's immune response, resulting in a fever, particularly in children. Fever, along with irritability, difficulty sleeping, and ear tugging, is a common sign of otitis media in young children.
- A clogged ear during an ear infection is usually caused by fluid or swelling that blocks the Eustachian tube—the canal that helps equalise pressure in the ear. This sensation may persist even after the infection improves, especially if fluid remains trapped.
- If you suspect an ear infection and are experiencing ear pain, fever, or persistent ear clogging, it's important to seek medical advice. Early treatment can relieve discomfort, clear the infection, and prevent complications such as hearing loss.
Ear infection and otitis media symptoms
- Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, particularly young children. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes infected, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection. The symptoms can vary, and not everyone experiences the same signs.
- Typical symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, hearing difficulty, and sometimes ear infection pus or fluid drainage. The presence of pus or fluid leaking from the ear usually indicates that the eardrum has ruptured due to pressure from the infection, a condition that often provides temporary relief from pain but requires medical attention.
- Interestingly, some people may have an ear infection with no ear pain. This is more common in cases where the infection is mild, or if the person has a higher pain threshold. Children especially may not always express pain, so parents should watch for signs like irritability, trouble sleeping, or pulling at the ear.
- One of the hallmark symptoms of otitis media is fluid in the ear—also called otitis media with effusion. This fluid may not be infected, but it can still cause a sensation of a blocked ear, muffled hearing, or balance issues. In some cases, this fluid can linger after the infection clears, leading to temporary hearing loss.
- If you suspect an ear infection, especially with fluid discharge or hearing changes, consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How long can hearing loss last after an ear infection?
Middle ear infections (otitis media)
Outer ear infections (otitis externa)
- In the case of outer ear infections (otitis externa or "swimmer’s ear"), hearing loss may last as long as the ear canal remains swollen or blocked by debris or discharge. This usually improves within a few days of starting treatment, such as ear drops or cleaning by a healthcare provider.
- Inner ear infections (like labyrinthitis), while less common, can result in more severe or longer-lasting hearing loss. In some cases, especially if treatment is delayed, damage to the auditory nerve can cause permanent hearing loss.
Does hearing loss come back after ear infections?
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Hearing loss after ear infections and acute otitis media in adults
Acute otitis media in adults is less common than in children, but when it does occur, it can lead to significant discomfort and temporary hearing loss after an ear infection. This condition involves inflammation and infection of the middle ear, often caused by bacteria or viruses. One of the key signs is a cloudy eardrum in adults, visible during an otoscopic examination, which indicates fluid or pus behind the eardrum—commonly responsible for muffled or reduced hearing.
The incidence of acute otitis media in adults is lower compared to children, but adults with weakened immune systems, allergies, or frequent upper respiratory infections are more at risk. Symptoms often include ear pain, pressure, decreased hearing, and occasionally fever or drainage from the ear. Acute otitis media treatment in adults typically involves antibiotics for bacterial infections, pain relief medications, and sometimes decongestants or nasal sprays to reduce Eustachian tube blockage.
With prompt and effective treatment, hearing usually returns to normal within a few days to two weeks. However, persistent fluid or recurrent infections can prolong hearing issues and, in rare cases, lead to more serious complications like tympanic membrane damage or long-term conductive hearing loss. If hearing does not return after treatment, or if symptoms worsen, it's important to follow up with an audiologist or ENT specialist. Recognising and treating acute otitis media in adults early is crucial to avoiding complications and ensuring full recovery of hearing.
What to do if an ear infection keeps coming back after antibiotics
If an ear infection keeps coming back after antibiotics, it may be a sign that the underlying issue hasn’t been fully resolved. Recurrent infections can be caused by antibiotic resistance, incorrect treatment, or underlying conditions such as allergies, sinus problems, or poor Eustachian tube function. In some cases, the infection may never have fully cleared, allowing bacteria to grow back once the medication is stopped. When this happens, it’s important to see a healthcare professional—ideally an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. They may recommend a different antibiotic, a longer course of treatment, or other approaches such as ear drops or surgical options like tympanostomy tubes to help drain fluid and prevent future infections. Recurrent or chronic ear infections can, in some cases, lead to permanent hearing loss. This can happen if repeated infections damage the eardrum, middle ear bones, or the delicate structures of the inner ear. Scarring, fluid buildup, or erosion of the ossicles (tiny ear bones) can all contribute to long-term hearing problems. While most ear infections cause only temporary hearing loss, especially when treated promptly, ongoing or untreated infections increase the risk of lasting damage. If you’re experiencing repeated ear infections and hearing changes—such as muffled hearing, ringing in the ears, or difficulty understanding speech—it's essential to seek prompt medical advice. Early intervention can help protect your hearing and prevent more serious complications.
Hearing loss after ear infections in a child
Hearing loss after ear infections in a child is a common concern, particularly during or after a cold. One of the most frequent issues is a blocked ear in a child with a cold, which often leads to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. This condition, known as otitis media with effusion, is widespread among children and can cause temporary hearing loss. The incidence of middle ear infections in children is high—studies suggest that up to 80% of children will have at least one episode of acute otitis media by the age of three. This high rate is due to the fact that children’s Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to reach the middle ear, especially after a cold. When fluid builds up and doesn't drain properly, it can affect a child’s hearing. While this hearing loss is usually temporary and resolves as the fluid clears, persistent or repeated infections may lead to more prolonged hearing issues. If fluid remains in the ear for more than three months or infections are frequent, it can interfere with speech and language development. If your child continues to show signs of muffled hearing, inattentiveness, or a blocked ear weeks after a cold, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Monitoring and treating ear infections early can help reduce the risk of long-term complications and ensure your child’s hearing and development stay on track.
Temporary hearing loss after an ear infection: symptoms
Experiencing loss of hearing after an ear infection is quite common, especially in both children and adults recovering from middle or outer ear infections. This type of hearing loss is usually temporary and is most often caused by fluid buildup, swelling, or blockage in the ear canal or middle ear, which interferes with sound transmission. Temporary hearing loss after an ear infection is known medically as conductive hearing loss. It happens when sound cannot travel effectively through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. Infections like otitis media or otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) are typical culprits. The symptoms of temporary hearing loss include muffled or distorted hearing, a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, difficulty hearing soft sounds, or needing to increase the volume on the television or phone. In most cases, decreased hearing after an ear infection improves within a few days to a couple of weeks, particularly once the infection clears and the fluid drains or is absorbed. Over-the-counter pain relief, warm compresses, or prescribed medications (such as antibiotics or ear drops) can help speed up recovery.
However, if the hearing loss after an ear infection doesn’t improve or seems to worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice. Ongoing symptoms may indicate fluid that hasn’t cleared, a damaged eardrum, or another complication requiring further treatment. Prompt evaluation ensures your hearing is protected and helps prevent long-term issues.
Ear infection and hearing loss after antibiotics
Hearing loss after flying with an ear infection
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Can you have hearing loss in one ear only after ear infection?
Yes, you can have hearing loss in one ear only after an ear infection. This is actually quite common, especially if the infection affects just one ear more severely than the other. Several factors can cause unilateral hearing loss after an ear infection:
- Middle ear infection (otitis media): If only one ear becomes infected, the fluid buildup and inflammation behind the eardrum can block sound transmission in that ear, leading to temporary hearing loss.
- Outer ear infection (otitis externa): Swelling or debris in the ear canal on one side can also cause blockage and affect hearing in that ear.
- Inner ear infection (labyrinthitis): Though less common, infections involving the inner ear can result in sudden sensorineural hearing loss in one ear, which may become permanent if not treated promptly.
In most cases, hearing loss in one ear after an ear infection is temporary and resolves once the infection clears and fluid drains. However, if the hearing does not return within a couple of weeks, or if you experience symptoms like dizziness, ringing (tinnitus), or severe pain, you should seek medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment—especially for inner ear involvement—are crucial to prevent long-term or permanent hearing damage. An audiologist or ENT specialist can perform a hearing test and recommend the best course of action based on the underlying cause.
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Deafness after an ear infection: remedies
Medications
Ear drainage
Hearing aids
Rehabilitation
If you’re concerned about deafness after an ear infection, it’s important to seek prompt evaluation from a healthcare professional. Early treatment improves the chances of full recovery and protects your long-term hearing health.
How to regain hearing after ear infection and earache
1. Finish Your Treatment
2. Allow Time for Recovery
3. Use Decongestants or Nasal Sprays (if advised)
4. Apply Warm Compresses
5. Avoid Water and Irritation
6. See a Specialist if Hearing Doesn’t Return
Can ear infections clear up on their own?
Yes, some ear infections can clear up on their own, particularly mild cases of middle ear infections (otitis media) or outer ear infections (otitis externa) caused by viruses. In many cases, the body’s immune system is able to fight off the infection without the need for antibiotics—especially in adults or older children with no underlying health concerns. However, while some ear infections may resolve naturally within a few days to a week, it’s important to monitor symptoms closely. If the infection is bacterial, or if symptoms are severe or persist beyond 2–3 days, medical treatment may be necessary.
Risks of Not Treating an Ear Infection
Leaving an ear infection untreated can lead to several potential complications, especially if the infection is severe or recurrent:
- Hearing loss: Fluid buildup and prolonged inflammation can cause temporary or, in rare cases, permanent hearing damage.
- Eardrum perforation: Pressure from the infection can cause the eardrum to rupture, leading to pain, discharge, and possible hearing issues.
- Chronic otitis media: Repeated infections may result in long-term damage or persistent fluid behind the eardrum.
- Spread of infection: In rare cases, an untreated ear infection can spread to nearby areas, such as the mastoid bone (mastoiditis) or even the brain (meningitis).
When to Seek Help
- If symptoms worsen, include high fever, severe pain, hearing loss, or last more than a few days, see a doctor. Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and protects your hearing.
Earache and deafness: learning about pain in ears and hearing loss
Decreased hearing and deafness after a cold
It’s not uncommon to experience decreased hearing or a sensation of deafness after a cold. This temporary hearing loss is usually caused by fluid buildup or inflammation in the middle ear, a condition known as otitis media with effusion. During a cold or sinus infection, the Eustachian tubes—which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat—can become blocked due to swelling or mucus. This prevents fluid from draining properly, leading to a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing in one or both ears. In most cases, this type of hearing loss is temporary and resolves on its own as the cold clears and the fluid drains. However, symptoms can last for days or even weeks, especially if the fluid lingers in the middle ear. You might also feel like your ears are "clogged," experience occasional popping sounds, or struggle to hear clearly in noisy environments. While rare, in some cases, a cold-related ear infection can lead to more serious hearing issues, especially if left untreated. If bacteria infect the trapped fluid, it may lead to pain, fever, or even rupture of the eardrum. In these cases, prompt treatment is necessary to avoid long-term hearing damage.
If your hearing doesn’t return to normal within two to three weeks after a cold—or if you notice worsening symptoms, pain, or fluid discharge—see a healthcare professional. Early intervention helps protect your ears and restore full hearing.
Blocked ears and infections
Blocked ears are a common symptom of ear infections, especially those affecting the middle or outer ear. The sensation of a "full" or "clogged" ear can be uncomfortable and is often accompanied by muffled hearing, pressure, or even mild pain.
One of the most frequent causes is otitis media, a middle ear infection often triggered by a cold or sinus infection. When the Eustachian tube (which helps drain fluid from the middle ear) becomes blocked due to inflammation or mucus, fluid can build up behind the eardrum. This leads to a blocked ear feeling and can also cause pain, reduced hearing, or balance issues.
Another common cause is otitis externa, or outer ear infection (also known as swimmer’s ear). In this case, water, bacteria, or fungal growth in the ear canal can lead to swelling, discharge, and blockage.
Blocked ears may also result from:
- Earwax buildup
- Allergies or sinus pressure
- Air travel or altitude changes
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
Infections that cause blocked ears are typically treated with antibiotics, ear drops, or decongestants, depending on the location and severity. Most cases resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks.
However, if a blocked ear persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by fever, discharge, or significant hearing loss, it’s important to seek medical attention. Left untreated, ear infections can lead to complications, including permanent hearing damage or chronic issues.
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