Do you experience muffled hearing in one ear? This condition is not uncommon. It is characterized by difficulty of hearing in one ear. Anyone suffering from hearing loss in one ear will have difficulty identifying the source of a sound or hearing in crowded environments. Other popular terms used to describe this condition are unilateral deafness or hearing loss. Despite deafness in one ear, you should be able to hear clearly with the other one.
This condition can affect both adults and children. Depending on the cause, the hearing loss could be temporary or permanent. It is therefore important to see a doctor right away. This will enable them to diagnose unilateral hearing loss and recommend a treatment.
Causes of Hearing Loss in One Ear
What can cause hearing loss in one ear and ringing? This is the first thing that your doctor will need to assess if you experience this condition and there are several possible causes to hearing loss like this, including:
Illness or Ear Infection – There are certain illnesses that can result to muffled hearing. Ear infection is one of the main reasons for loss of hearing as the fluid buildup can block the sound from entering your ear. “Swimmer’s ear” is another form of infection. This type of infection is a result of bacteria-containing water that enters the ear. When water gets trapped inside the ear, it can promote bacteria growth. The swelling and inflammation blocks the ear canal resulting to hearing loss.
Exposure to loud noise – Loud noises can also be the culprit to temporary or permanent hearing loss, especially when in loud and explosive bursts. Firearms explosions and live concerts are a good example of this. The explosive sound can cause a tear in the eardrum. In some cases, noise-induced hearing loss can also result to ringing sensation in the ear.
Certain Drugs – Certain medications can cause hearing loss in one ear, depending on your body’s reaction to these drugs. In some cases, both ears become deaf. Ototoxic medications or drugs can cause this kind of side effect. This happens as a result of damage to the nerve cells on your ear. Some of the drugs you need to be wary of include antibiotics, pain relievers, and chemotherapy drugs.
Ear Blockage – Excessive ear wax can also contribute to hearing loss. When left to dry up and harden, ear wax can block the ear canal resulting in muffled hearing. Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears as they can push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal. Other foreign objects can also lead to hearing loss due to ear blockage.
Traumatic Injury – Traumatic brain injury, often from car accidents, can affect your central auditory system. The blunt force can damage the nerve cells and middle ear. Aside from hearing loss, tinnitus can also be a result of traumatic brain injury.
How Is Unilateral Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders claim that 10-15% of those who suffer hearing loss have an identifiable cause. This is why they recommend that you see a doctor immediately when you exhibit any symptoms of hearing loss (whether it is in one ear or both ears).
On your visit to the doctor, they will ask you about the symptoms you have experienced. They will also collect information about your medical history. A physical examination on your ears, nose, and throat are also performed to make a diagnosis.
The final step is to undergo a hearing test. Your audiologist will expose you to sounds at varying volume levels. They will analyze your response to the various sounds and tones. The goal is not only to determine if you have hearing loss; they also want to determine which part of the ear is affected.
Treatment for Muffled Hearing in One Ear
There are various treatments available for unilateral hearing loss. The type of treatment will vary according to the cause of the hearing loss. Some of the treatment options include the following:
Surgery – This treatment method is recommended for those with hearing loss due to a tumor or some types of ear maladies.
Antibiotics – This treatment method is ideal for those who have hearing loss because of infection.
Steroids – This is designed to reduce inflammation and swelling, which causes a blockage on your ear.
If any of the suggested treatments above do not help with hearing loss, you might be asked to wear a hearing aid. This is a tool that facilitates in helping you restore your sense of hearing.
