Guide To Ear Infection Warning Signs

Issues With Hearing

Issues with hearing are observed in all types of ear infections. Adult patients may notice sounds seem muffled, and they may even notice a temporary loss of hearing in the affected ear. In children who are having issues with hearing, parents might observe the child is slower than usual in responding to sounds. Doctors who suspect a patient with an ear infection is experiencing hearing changes will order a hearing test to determine how well their ears are functioning. Hearing difficulties often get worse with repeated ear infections, and some patients who have had multiple infections may need to have a surgical procedure to place tubes in the ear. These tubes will help drain excess fluid and reduce the patient's risk for permanent hearing damage. After an ear infection heals, patients may need to have further hearing tests to check whether their hearing has returned to normal.

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Loss of Balance

Patients of all ages may experience a loss of balance due to ear infections. The vestibular system, a part of the body that controls balance, spatial orientation, and movements of the head and eyes, is located in the inner ear. The fluid that pushes against the inner ear during an ear infection usually causes an impairment in the functioning of the vestibular system. As a result, patients could find they stumble while walking, and they may be more at risk for falls. It might also be harder to engage in sports or other fitness activities while dealing with an ear infection. If balance difficulties are present, individuals may need to use handrails while walking up and down stairs, and they should be especially careful while carrying items or cooking. Patients who seek medical treatment for an ear infection should mention any changes in balance to their doctor. They might want to perform a gait assessment or neurological evaluation to rule out other potential causes of balance issues. If a patient continues to have balance issues after completing treatment for an ear infection, they should return to the clinic for an additional assessment.

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