Temporary hearing loss can be a little terrifying and can often be caused by a number of things. It can affect anyone and everyone, so it’s worth knowing how you can treat such loss when you’re experiencing it for the first time. It’s most commonly with those who are subjected to loud noises or sounds, but there are also other reasons that you might not have considered. For future reference or if you’re currently experiencing temporary hearing loss, here’s how to treat it.
What causes temporary hearing loss?
Many would often associate hearing loss of any kind with noise, but that’s not always the case. Yes, a common cause of temporary hearing loss might be due to exposing your ears to excessive noise or loud sounds, however, there are plenty of other reasons. A type of obstruction could be responsible, most typically being earwax. A build-up of earwax can gradually lead to you not being able to hear properly. Some medications can have a side effect of temporary hearing loss, which is important to note. A head trauma of any kind can also be the reasons as to why you’ve lost your hearing, and ear infections can do it too.
How to treat a temporary hearing loss in one ear
There are ways to go about treating temporary hearing loss depending on what’s caused it to happen. With temporary hearing loss in one ear, it’s something that should be self-treated in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few ways to treat it depending on how it occurred in the first place.
Exposed to loud sounds
If you’ve gone to a rock concert or you work in a noisy environment, then these can be common experiences that can lead to temporary hearing loss. Our ear hairs are very fine and vulnerable, and once they’re damaged, they’re damaged for good. This type of exposure, where your hearing has experienced a degree of loss is likely to recover in the short-term. However, there are occasions where it does cause some long-term damage to the hair cells. If you’re hearing doesn’t get better within a day or two, then you should seek medical help immediately. You can take precautionary measures when in a situation again where you are exposed to loud music. This can be to wear earplugs or some form of ear protection. It can help provide that protective barrier that your ears need from experiencing any further damage. That one experience could damage your hearing permanently, so it’s important not to take any risks when it comes to protecting them.
Blocked ear canals
Blocked ear canals are usually caused by earwax, but it’s easy to get other foreign objects stuck in there too. If your hearing loss is the result of a blockage, then you need to get that blockage removed as soon as you can. There are specialists out there that can help with removing earwax safely, but it should be something that falls out naturally. Of course, if it’s causing some discomfort, then it’s always best to have a professional audiologist do it. You should never attempt to do it yourself as the professional will have all the relevant equipment to remove it without damaging your eardrum.
Ear infections
Ear infections aren’t nice to experience, and they can certainly be painful to experience. Most inflammation that is caused by an ear infection will clear itself and get back to normal pretty quickly. However, if you’re experiencing a lot of pain or it’s accompanied by a fever or a very bad headache, then you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Swimmer’s ear is something that can also cause blockage in your ears. This is where water remains in the ear after you’ve been swimming. Seek medical help unless it returns to normal on its own. You can also cause scratches and abrasions to your inner ear from scratching it with your fingernail or whilst using a cotton cue tip.
Symptoms of temporary hearing loss
Symptoms of temporary hearing loss can vary, but usually, a muffled sound is often described by those who’ve experienced it before. Any trouble hearing background noise or listening in on a conversation is also cause for concern. You could also get ringing in your ears as well as feeling dizzy. Getting the help and support, you need for temporary hearing loss is important to make sure you get in touch with The Hearing and Tinnitus Center for more information. You can call today at 303-534-0163.