How Long Can One With An Ear-infection Before It Causes Hearing Loss?

2 Comments

1. jennyf says:

   February 7, 2010 at 12:58 pm

   This is actually not a straight forward question, and the answer is not straight forward. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria and viruses (also fungi, but I’ll focus on the other two).
   Viruses cause the majority of ear infections. These are not usually associated with pus. The ear drum becomes red, very uncomfortable, and there may be fluid build up behind the drum. The fluid build up can cause some degree of hearing loss, but should not be permanent. There is no treatment for these infections…just acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort, and time. It is possible for the ear drum to rupture during a viral infection, though not very common. In this case, the patient usually has rapid relief of pain, and may have some hearing loss, though usually minor and it doesn’t usually last.
   Bacterial ear infections also cause a red, sore eardrum, and may be associated with pus, though not always. The current medical evidence shows that antibiotics should not be used right away because most bacterial ear infections resolve on their own. However, any child with suspected ear infection should be seen by a doctor so that they can assess their ear drum, and arrange appropriate follow-up, and antibiotics when needed (eg. if the infection has not gone away in 48 hours). Pus behind the ear drum can also cause some degree of hearing loss, though is should be temporary. Also, the drum can rupture as with a viral infection.
   Permanent hearing loss is usually only an issue when the patient has multiple ear infections that result in scarring of the tympanic membrane (ear drum). In that case, the scar tissue prevents the drum from vibrating well. One ear infection would be unusual to cause hearing loss, but can result in long term fluid behind the ear drum that can decrease hearing. If it becomes an issue, or if you or your child are suspected of having hearing loss, you should see a physician. Good luck!
2. Gayla says:

   October 12, 2011 at 9:43 pm

   I am 43 years old and I am getting a hearing aid tomorrow due to scarring on my tympanic membrane caused by one ear infection that I let go on for 6 to 8 weeks before treating. One ear infection can cause permanent hearing loss. I am proof of that.