Hearing loss or muffled hearing

Overview

Hearing loss or muffled hearing is a reduction in the ability to hear sounds clearly, ranging from partial to complete loss of auditory function. This condition can affect one or both ears and may cause sounds to seem distant, unclear, or completely inaudible.

Common Causes

Common causes include earwax buildup that blocks the ear canal, fluid trapped behind the eardrum from colds or allergies, and age-related changes to the inner ear structures. Exposure to loud noises over time, certain medications, and ear infections can also affect hearing clarity. Sometimes temporary hearing changes occur due to changes in air pressure during flights or from swimming.

Severity Levels

Mild: You may notice difficulty hearing soft sounds or conversations in noisy environments, but most daily activities remain unaffected. Speech and familiar sounds are still generally clear.

Moderate: Conversations become challenging, especially in groups or noisy settings, and you may need to ask people to repeat themselves frequently. Television or radio volume may need to be turned up higher than usual.

Severe: Most conversations are difficult to follow without significant effort, and you may rely heavily on lip reading or visual cues. Daily activities like phone calls or watching TV become notably challenging even with increased volume.

Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden hearing loss, especially if it occurs in one ear only or is accompanied by dizziness, severe headache, or discharge from the ear. Contact your healthcare provider if the condition persists for more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied by pain, fever, or ringing in the ears. If you have gradual hearing changes or difficulty following conversations, schedule a routine appointment with your doctor or an audiologist for proper evaluation.

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