Flu season and hearing

By Sarah Curtis, Au.D., founder of Sounds of Life Hearing

It is not uncommon to experience some level of hearing loss in conjunction with upper respiratory infections, including colds and the flu. Infections result in inflammation, and sinus and/or nasal infections lead to swelling of the back of your throat. This area contains one end of the Eustachian tubes, which normally keep the pressure behind our eardrums balanced. When they’re blocked due to inflammation, a vacuum builds up behind the eardrum and fluid gets trapped.

Middle ear fluid and infections can happen at any age and are more common than bacterial ones. They typically clear on their own after about three weeks.

Any time you suspect a change in your hearing or ringing in your ears, it’s a good idea to see your doctor or an audiologist. Parent should trust their gut. If you think your child might have hearing loss, come see an audiologist like us. There’s no harm in checking.

It is very important to get medical attention for chronic ear infections. If left untreated, they can cause further damage to the middle ear. We are big fans of ENTs and refer often. If there is ever a sudden loss in hearing, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness and/or loud ringing, seek immediate medical attention. Though rare, it is possible to get an infection in the inner ear, which can cause permanent hearing loss. When we get a call from someone with sudden hearing loss, we make room for them on our schedule that same day and make calls to get them into an ENT as soon as possible.

Audiologists will discover the cause and set you on a path to better hearing and a healthier life.

Sounds of Life Hearing Center is located at 8007 Auburn Road, Suite 1, in Concord Twp. For more information call 440-579-4085 or check the website SoundsOfLifeHC.com.