What is Temporary Hearing Loss?

Most people are familiar with permanent hearing loss, which may develop among older people or those who are regularly exposed to loud noises. However, it is possible to experience temporary hearing loss, as well.

As the name suggests, temporary hearing loss can be treated and will go away after a while. The treatment for your hearing loss depends on what has caused it. You may lose more hearing over time if it isn’t treated. If you’re suddenly experiencing hearing loss, then you should visit a hearing health professional for a diagnosis and advice. 

Build-up of Earwax

Earwax is designed to trap foreign bodies that enter your ear canal, such as dust. The earwax should then fall out of your ear naturally, taking the foreign bodies out with it. However, the wax may become impacted or stuck in the ear canal.

This causes a blockage in the ear, which can cause sudden loss of hearing as sound waves are prevented from reaching the eardrum. While you might be tempted, resist the urge to put a cotton swab in your ear as it can worsen the problem. 

An earwax blockage can be easily treated by your hearing health professional. They will flush out or remove the wax in a relatively quick procedure. You’ll notice the effects immediately.

Middle Ear Infection

Ear infections can develop from a cold, virus or exposure to bacteria filled-fluid. They’re very common in children and may cause temporary hearing loss in one or both ears. This infection causes fluid to build up, which puts pressure on the tiny structures and bones inside the ear. This is what interferes with hearing.

This pressure may cause a ruptured eardrum, which can be unpleasant but will likely repair itself. A course of antibiotics will treat the ear infection, which will relieve this pressure in the ear and get rid of the temporary hearing loss. If it isn’t treated, or the infections are very common, the hearing loss may become permanent. 

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is otherwise known as an outer ear infection. It generally happens when water remains in your ear after you’ve been swimming, hence the name. You may experience itchy ears or a feeling of fullness from this infection, as well as temporary deafness.

Whenever you go swimming, get rid of trapped water. You can also get this kind of infection by scratches or abrasions in your ear canal. If you suspect an outer ear infection, then see your hearing health professional. They may prescribe antibiotic drops that will treat it. 

Loud Noises 

Sound waves are detected by small hair cells inside your inner ears, which then transmit signals to your brain. These hair cells can be damaged by extremely loud noises. This type of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Repeated damage is more likely to cause permanent damage. You can also experience tinnitus, which is ringing in your ears. 
This kind of hearing loss can be prevented by wearing ear protection. You should also rest your ears if you suspect that you’ve experienced this kind of hearing loss, and speak to a professional if your hearing doesn’t recover for over a day.