Can my child lose hearing from an ear infection?

Doctor's Answers 1

thanks for the D2D.

Whether your child is at risk of permanent loss of hearing with recurrent ear infections, really depends on what part of his ear keeps on becoming infected. If it is the outer ear canal which becomes infected, then any swelling of the skin will temporarily block his ear and lead to hearing loss but this usually returns once the outer ear infection resolves.

However, if it is the middle ear that keeps on getting infected, basically eardrum-related infections, then there is a (small) risk that this might lead to a permanent hearing loss in the future. Usually, eardrum infections give rise to a temporary and reversible conductive type of hearing loss, due to infected fluid trapped behind the infected eardrum.

This usually recovers once the eardrum is no longer infected. Sometimes, even when the eardrum infection resolves, there may still be some thick mucus fluid called “glue” filling the middle ear, leading to a mild conductive hearing loss. Once this fluid is drained, the hearing usually returns to normal.

ENT Doctor Singapore

The real worry though is that recurrent ear infections leading to a buildup of pus (frank infected yellow liquid behind the eardrum, see picture) can potentially spread to the inner ear where the delicate hearing organ (cochlea) lies. If the inner ear becomes infected, then there is a risk of permanent severe hearing loss, as well as dizziness, vertigo and balance issues.

Similar Questions

How soon do I need treatment for ear blockage due to an ear infection?

Thank you for your question. Ear blockage or hearing loss can be due to: 1. Conductive hearing loss – Hearing loss due to a physical blockage of the ear canal or middle ear (space deep to the ear drum thaf houses the hearing bones). Common causes include: Impacted ear wax Ear infections Fluid in the middle ear Foreign body in the ear Stiffening of the hearing bones. Conductive hearing loss are usually reversible (ie hearing can revert back to normal) once the underlying cause is treated. 2.

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

Do I have an ear infection after cleaning my ear with a Q-tip?

Thank you for your question. Yes, Q-tips or any other cotton buds are not meant to be inserted into the ear canals as they are too big! You will end up pushing your earwax deeper into the ear canal or may damage the lining of the ear and cause an ear infection. I’ve also seen broken Q-tips lodged in the ear canal or puncturing the eardrum! It sounds like you may have developed an ear canal infection (also known as otitis externa) and given topical antibiotics by your GP.

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox