When you are unwell, changes in hearing can sometimes occur. These auditory alterations may be a temporary symptom or, in some situations, indicate a more serious underlying issue. Understanding the connection between illness and hearing changes is helpful for recognizing when to seek medical attention.
How Illnesses Can Affect Hearing
Illnesses can impact hearing through various physiological mechanisms within the ear’s complex structure. One common way is conductive hearing loss, caused by fluid accumulation in the middle ear. This occurs when Eustachian tubes, connecting the middle ear to the throat, become blocked by inflammation or mucus. Blocked tubes cannot equalize pressure or drain fluid, making it difficult for sound waves to vibrate the eardrum. This results in muffled sounds and ear fullness.
Another mechanism is sensorineural hearing loss, involving damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This happens when delicate hair cells in the cochlea or nerve pathways to the brain are compromised. Inflammation from infection can extend to these structures, affecting their ability to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. Viruses can also directly damage these cells or nerves, potentially causing lasting impairment.
Common Sicknesses Linked to Hearing Loss
Several common illnesses can lead to hearing changes, often through fluid buildup or direct inner ear effects. The common cold and flu frequently cause temporary conductive hearing loss. Congestion and inflammation block Eustachian tubes, leading to fluid accumulation in the middle ear. This muffled hearing typically resolves as the illness clears.
Ear infections, particularly otitis media, are a frequent complication, involving inflammation and fluid buildup that impedes sound conduction. Sinus infections can also cause temporary hearing loss by blocking the Eustachian tube. While often temporary, persistent infections can rarely lead to lasting sensorineural damage.
Historically, viral infections like measles and mumps have caused sensorineural hearing loss, sometimes permanently. Mumps can damage the cochlea or its hair cells, leading to sudden, often unilateral, hearing loss. COVID-19 has also been linked to hearing changes, with proposed mechanisms including direct viral infection, inflammation, or microvascular issues. While some reports suggest sensorineural hearing loss, many cases are due to transient middle ear involvement or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Beyond infections, certain ototoxic medications can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Examples include some antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin) at high doses, chemotherapy drugs, and loop diuretics.
Recognizing and Addressing Hearing Changes
Recognizing hearing changes during or after an illness is important for appropriate management. Common signs include muffled sounds, difficulty understanding speech (especially in noisy environments), ear fullness or pressure, ringing (tinnitus), or dizziness and balance problems.
Seek medical attention for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear. Prompt evaluation is also warranted if hearing loss persists for over 10 days after other illness symptoms resolve, or if accompanied by severe ear pain or discharge. While many cases are temporary and resolve as the illness clears, persistent fluid buildup or inflammation can lead to lasting issues. Medical professionals can determine the cause and recommend steps, such as waiting for resolution, medication, or referral to an ENT specialist.