Muffled hearing can present for a wide variety of reasons. In most cases, this condition is temporary. But muffled hearing can also be a sign that a more serious hearing issue is happening. In part, that’s because, outside of sudden hearing loss, hearing loss is generally not a condition that progresses suddenly. Symptoms develop slowly over a long period of time.
One of the first symptoms of gradually developing long-term hearing loss is the sense that your hearing is muffled. However, it’s important to point out that muffled hearing in and of itself isn’t always a sign of permanent hearing loss. Indeed, millions of people experience muffled hearing every year.
Perhaps you’re wondering if you should be worried about your muffled hearing. Generally, the answer tends to vary. Finding the best treatment for your muffled hearing depends on recognizing the root cause. Added damage can be avoided and your hearing can get back to normal with some prompt solutions. You will be able to get back to enjoying the sounds of your life after you get us to assist you with some successful treatments.
Muffled Hearing – what exactly is it?
Muffled hearing takes place when sound is unable to travel through your outer, middle, and inner ear in the way that it ordinarily does. This leads to a noticeable drop in sound quality. In the majority of instances, people with muffled hearing can still hear some or even most things, but everything sounds quieter or jumbled. This may particularly affect your ability to hear and understand voices and spoken language.
Your ears will frequently also feel clogged up when your hearing is muffled. Many individuals have experienced this feeling for a short time, for example, when they have a cold or are flying. This clogged feeling, however, doesn’t always come with muffled hearing.
Causes of muffled hearing
There are lots of possible causes of muffled hearing. In order to develop the appropriate course of treatment, it’s essential to determine the root cause. Here are some of the most prevalent causes:
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Sometimes, muffled hearing can be the consequence of noise-related hearing loss. This form of hearing loss is, unfortunately, generally irreversible. One of the earliest recognizable symptoms is muffled hearing; but damage to your stereocilia has likely already occurred by the time you notice the distorted sounds. You should seek out treatment rapidly to avoid your hearing getting significantly worse quickly.
- Earwax buildup: Usually, earwax is a good thing. It helps keep your ear canal healthy. However, too much earwax can eventually cause muffled hearing (or even hearing loss). Try a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear to loosen the wax up. Never try to free stuck earwax with a cotton swab which will only push the wax further up into the ear canal. If the problem continues, come in and talk to us.
- Infection: Swelling of the ear canal will frequently accompany issues like ear infections or sinus infections. This swelling can cause your ear canal to swell shut, effectively reducing your ability to hear. Muffled hearing symptoms caused by infections will normally clear up once the root illness has been treated.
- Travel: Altitude changes, like when you’re on a plane, can lead to a feeling of muffled ears. In most instances, this feeling will go away quickly and your hearing will go back to normal.
- Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s Disease is a long-term balance and hearing problem. Dizziness, balance problems, tinnitus, and muffled ears will manifest over time due to this disease. There is no cure for Meniere’s Disease, but symptoms can be treated.
- Hearing loss related to age: Most people will experience diminishing hearing as they get older. After all, there are few senses as acute when you are 80 as they were when you are 18. Over time, muffled hearing can be the result of this normal decline of your ability to hear.
The precise symptoms of muffled hearing will differ depending on the root cause.
Is there a cure for muffled hearing?
Some types of muffled hearing can’t be cured. The treatment for your muffled hearing will differ depending on the root cause. We may use some special tools to help clear out your ear canal if, for example, earwax accumulation is at the root of your muffled hearing. Antibiotics are typically prescribed if your muffled hearing is being caused by an infection.
Symptom management is usually the approach when you have sensorineural hearing loss as opposed to a cure. That’s because sensorineural hearing loss can not be cured. However, symptoms can be controlled. There might be numerous approaches to this treatment including a pair of hearing aids.
With hearing aids, you can continue to enjoy your daily activities without hearing loss impacting your quality of life.
Avoiding muffled hearing
Some types of muffled hearing are hard to avoid, no matter what. For example, ear infections and sinus infections are difficult to reliably avoid.
However, in most instances, regular hearing tests can help you avoid many of the causes of muffled hearing and identify any permanent hearing loss early. Call us for an appointment right away.