Common Causes of Temporary Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be a frustrating and upsetting experience, even if it’s temporary. However, not only is it relatively common, but for those afflicted by it, there also tends to be a standard set of common causes.

Loud Noises

People who work in loud environments, like ones that include heavy machinery or industrial vehicles, run the risk of their hearing being affected negatively on a daily basis. The same is true for people who often partake in noisy activities, such as listening to loud music or operating power tools without protective equipment. Ear protection should be worn in either case, along with taking regular breaks and avoiding unnecessary noise when possible.

Wax Buildup

Earwax is produced naturally and protects the ears from damage, but sometimes accumulates in the ear canal and prevents sound from traveling further inside. This is one of the easier temporary hearing loss causes to treat, since removing the buildup often solves the problem by clearing sound pathways to the inner ear.

Ear Infections

Infections, especially those in the middle ear, can lead to fluid buildup and prevent the ear’s ability to receive sound. Colds and viruses are common culprits, since the ears are connected to the back of the throat. As the body attempts to fight off the infection, additional swelling and fluid can further impact one’s hearing and possibly rupture the eardrum. Treatment requires taking antibiotics to clear up the infection and restore hearing ability.

Ototoxic Medications

Certain medications are considered ototoxic, or damaging to hearing. These include some cancer, heart disease, and antibiotic medicines; high doses of painkilling NSAIDs, loop diuretics, and quinine prescribed for malaria may also affect hearing. Physicians typically pay close attention to how patients react to these medications, but it’s still important for those taking them to talk about any hearing side effects they experience.

Head Injuries

In some cases head trauma can immediately impacting one's hearing, whether it’s caused by broken inner-ear bones, burst eardrums, or damaged nerves. Sudden changes in pressure or explosions are equally dangerous. While hearing loss may go away on its own, severe injuries should be treated by a professional to help monitor a patient's condition and reduce chances of permanent hearing loss.

Regardless of the cause, you should discuss your hearing loss symptoms with a medical professional who can properly assess the degree of damage. Absolute Hearing Solutions serves patients throughout the Columbus, OH area with an emphasis on compassionate care and providing resources to patients to help them better understand their aural health. We offer a full roster of hearing aids to fit every budget and provide extensive testing with specialized equipment to provide comprehensive hearing assessments for all of our patients. Contact us today to learn how we can help you prioritize your hearing health.