Muffled hearing can present for a large number of reasons. In the majority of cases, this situation is temporary. But muffled hearing can also be a sign that a more severe hearing issue is happening. That’s because, in general, hearing loss is a gradually developing condition. Symptoms show up slowly over a long time period.
In many cases, one of the first recognizable symptoms is a sense that sounds feel muffled, distorted, or quieter. However, it’s important to mention that muffled hearing in and of itself is not always a sign of permanent hearing loss. Indeed, millions of people experience muffled hearing every year.
Maybe you’re wondering if you should be concerned about your muffled hearing. The answer depends on a number of factors. Finding the correct treatment for your muffled hearing depends on understanding 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 go back to enjoying the sounds of your life after you get us to help you with some successful treatments.
Muffled Hearing – what exactly is it?
Muffled hearing occurs when sound is unable to move through your outer, middle, and inner ear in the way that it normally does. A very noticeable decrease in sound fidelity is the result. Hearing won’t be totally gone with muffled hearing but things will sound garbled and quieter. Discerning speech and language can be particularly challenging.
In many instances, and depending on the underlying cause, muffled hearing can be combined with a sense of fullness or stuffiness in your ears. Lots of individuals have experienced this feeling for a short time, for instance, when they have a cold or are flying. This plugged feeling, however, doesn’t always come along with muffled hearing.
Causes of muffled hearing
Muffled hearing can be caused by all kinds of problems. In order to formulate the correct course of treatment, it’s essential to establish the root cause. Here are some of the most prevalent causes:
- 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.
- Earwax buildup: Earwax is usually a helpful thing. It helps keep your ear canal healthy. However, excessive earwax can eventually cause muffled hearing (or even loss of hearing). This earwax can typically be loosened up by utilizing a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide. Never attempt to dislodge stuck earwax with a cotton swab which will only pack the wax further up into the ear canal. We can help if the problem persists.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Sometimes, muffled hearing can be the consequence of noise-related hearing loss. Unfortunately, this form of hearing loss is normally irreversible. One of the very first noticeable symptoms is muffled hearing; but by the time you notice the distorted sounds, damage to your stereocilia has probably already occurred. You should find treatment promptly to avoid your hearing getting considerably worse quickly.
- Age-associated hearing loss: As you age, your hearing can decline due to natural causes. Needless to say, when you’re 80 all of your senses will be less sharp than when you were 18. Over time, muffled hearing can be the consequence of this normal decline of your ability to hear.
- Meniere’s Disease: When you have Menier’s Disease, you suffer from chronic hearing and balance issues. Over time, this disease can trigger tinnitus, loss of hearing (frequently beginning with muffled hearing), and dizziness or loss of balance. There is no cure for Meniere’s Disease, but symptoms can be treated.
- Infection: Swelling of the ear canal will often come with issues like ear infections or sinus infections. This swelling can cause your ear canal to be completely blocked, effectively diminishing your ability to hear. Muffled hearing symptoms due to infections will typically clear up after the underlying illness has been treated.
Depending on the root cause, the precise symptoms of muffled hearing will differ.
Can muffled hearing be cured?
Some forms of muffled hearing can’t be cured. The root cause of your muffled hearing will determine the treatment method. We may use some special tools to help clear out your ear canal if, for instance, earwax accumulation is at the root of your muffled hearing. Antibiotics are usually prescribed if your muffled hearing is being caused by an infection.
Symptom management is generally the approach when you have sensorineural hearing loss rather than a cure. That’s because there’s no cure for sensorineural hearing loss. However, symptoms can be controlled. There might be numerous strategies to this treatment including a set of hearing aids.
With hearing aids, you can continue to enjoy your day-to-day activities without hearing loss effecting your quality of life.
How to steer clear of muffled hearing in the first place
Some forms of muffled hearing are hard to avoid, no matter what. For instance, ear infections and sinus infections are hard to reliably avoid.
However, in most instances, routine hearing tests can help you avoid many of the causes of muffled hearing and detect any permanent hearing loss early. These checkups can help you stay on top of your hearing health and get treatment promptly.