Sudden Hearing Loss: An Overview of Causes and Treatments

Sudden hearing loss - why it could happen/what to do

Ear pain can be debilitating, and a middle ear infection is almost always the culprit. While ear infections, commonly known as otitis media, can strike people of all ages, babies and children tend to get them more frequently due to their tiny eustachian tubes. When these tubes become blocked or clogged, this prevents fresh air from keeping the middle ear clean and dry — resulting in a damp, stagnant environment, and the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Read on to learn more about the causes and symptoms of ear infections as well as diagnosis and treatment for ear infections.

Causes of ear infections

The middle ear is connected to the upper respiratory tract by the eustachian tube. Because of this, post-nasal drainage, sinus infections and common cold viruses can result in the tube becoming too swollen for air to flow into the middle ear.

In addition, colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses tend to be the most common cause of ear infections. Another common cause of ear infection, known as swimmer’s ear, occurs when water gets trapped in the ear.

Symptoms of ear infections in children and adults

Ear pain is the primary symptom of an ear infection. Other ear infection symptoms can include a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, ear discharge or a fever. In babies and young children, who can’t easily verbalize their ear pain, ear infection signs can also include tugging on their ear, irritability and crying when lying down.

It’s important to contact your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms of an ear infection. Left untreated, ear infections can lead to more serious issues like a perforated ear drum or hearing loss.

How is an ear infection diagnosed?

An ear infection is diagnosed by your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT). The healthcare professional will examine your ear with an otoscope to look for redness, swelling, fluid or a blockage in your middle ear.

How do you treat an ear infection?

Treating an ear infection can include cleaning out the ear with an acidic solution, taking ear infection antibiotics, prescription ear drops, steroids and over-the-counter pain relievers. Drainage tubes may be surgically placed in young children’s ears for recurring ear infections.

To help prevent irritating infected ears, it’s a good idea avoid flying, wearing earplugs, swimming or getting water in your ears until your ear infection has fully healed.

Help prevent ear infections with healthy hygiene habits

To lower your risk of developing ear infections, keep these healthy hygiene habits in mind:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes
• Try to avoid air pollution and cigarette smoke
• Keep children up to date on immunizations

The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for doctor’s appointments, ear exams, tests and ear infection treatments at locations nationwide.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a healthcare provider near you that accepts CareCredit.