Ear Machine Expert Explains Hearing Loss In Cold Or Flu Season

 

Introduction

Congestion and head colds during cold or flu season can cause fluid to build up in sinuses and ears, making hearing more problematic during the illness. The most typical hearing loss during a cold or the flu is conductive hearing loss. The fluid in the middle ear makes it difficult for the eardrum to vibrate and for sound waves to travel through the ear. Fluid buildup can reduce your hearing ability by 24 decibels, making sound muffled or unclear. Sometimes the congestion can lead to infection, says an ear machine expert.

Tinnitus can also start or increase when you have a head cold or the flu. It is rare, but longstanding infectious fluid can cause permanent, sensorineural hearing loss. Viral infections play a significant part in sudden sensorineural hearing loss, where Inflammation disrupts the blood supply to the ear.

The Importance Of Ear Protection During Cold And Flu Seasons

While cold weather does not directly link to hearing loss, prolonged and regular exposure to frigid temperatures can lead to biological alterations, increasing the chance of developing hearing loss. The body boosts bone growth in the ear, specifically the ear canal, to protect itself from the cold. The condition is commonly referred to as surfer’s ear (exostosis), which occurs in people participating in cold water or outdoor sports, like snowboarding, surfing or skiing. 

According to the hearing machine expert, exostosis is a damaging growth for ear health and hearing as it narrows the canal, making water, ear wax and dirt drainage hard. Without proper removal of these materials, the ear is prone to infections. Repetitious infections can result in permanent hearing loss.

While methods exist to correct the excess bone growth, recovery is extensive and demanding. People undergoing surgery will need to avoid the cold to assure good recovery. For people working or playing in cold temperatures regularly, it is best to use ear protection and prevent unnecessary risks.

Prevention

A few tips you can follow to minimize your chances of getting a bad cold or the flu:

• Take Vitamin C to help strengthen your immune system
• Wash your hands often
• Keep your ears warm and dry when you are outside in cold temperatures
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise to improve blood circulation
• Avoid others who are sick

In conclusion, protecting your ears during cold and flu season is essential and if needed, you should get your hearing tests performed by an audiologist, says the ear machine expert.