Can Sinus Infection Cause Hearing Loss - Hearing Aid Expert’s Take

 

Introduction

Did you know your nose connects to your ear? Your nasal sinus cavity connects to your eardrum, which causes hearing loss when suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis. If you find yourself enduring this condition, the best move is to treat sinusitis before it causes permanent damage, says an ear machine expert in Kolkata.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavity. It is the air pocket tucked behind the bones of your nose and between your eyes. Both acute and chronic sinusitis share similar symptoms: headaches, runny nose, coughing and congestion. Chronic refers to a lasting condition and acute implies immediate and short-term discomfort fewer than eight weeks.

People with acute sinusitis can experience temporary bouts of hearing loss. But the capacity to hear usually restores itself once the infection clears. Chronic sinusitis can turn a temporary hearing loss into a permanent condition. It happens when an accompanying ear infection complicates the sinusitis.

Why Hearing Loss?

According to the hearing aid expert, hearing loss in sinusitis happens when the sinus infection extends to the ear, especially the middle ear. Pressure from the infection generates fluid to build up in the sinus cavities, spilling over into the Eustachian tube. As the Eustachian tube swells, fluids clog the middle ear and build up pressure in the eardrum, inducing pain and loss of hearing.

Generally, hearing returns after the fluid exits the eardrum in acute sinusitis. But for young children, still growing and developing, some of the fluid can remain in the ear, causing long-term hearing loss.

Preventing Sinusitis

Take these steps to reduce your risk of getting sinusitis:

• Clean your nasal passages daily
• Drink lots of water
• Inhale steam
• Avoid dry environments
• Sleep with your head elevated

In conclusion, if you suffer from hearing loss, it could be caused by various factors, including infections like sinusitis. But, if you're experiencing symptoms like pain, pressure, or ringing in your ears, you should see a doctor immediately, says the ear loss machine expert.