Temporary Hearing Loss: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Temporary Hearing Loss: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory problems in the United States. Johns Hopkins Medicine says it affects nearly 27 million adults 50 and over.

However, not all senior auditory health problems are permanent and warrant hearing aids. Many are cases of temporary hearing loss, which means they are short-term and that hearing should return to normal with prompt treatment. The keywords here are "prompt treatment," as even temporary hearing impairment can worsen and progress if not addressed immediately.

In this guide, the caring team at LakeHouse Manitowoc, our assisted living community in Manitowoc, WI, will discuss temporary hearing loss and its:

  • Causes
  • Treatment
  • Prevention

Let's get started.

Causes of Temporary Hearing Loss

Temporary hearing loss problems are reversible hearing issues that can arise from:

  • Cerumen build-up
  • Ear infections
  • Exposure to loud noises
  • Head trauma

While the above can happen to anyone, older adults are among the most susceptible, and we'll explain why in more detail below.

Cerumen Build-Up

Cerumen is the medical term for ear wax, the oily substance produced by glands within the ear canal. While it may look and feel "icky," it plays many protective roles, such as:

  • Capturing foreign matter like dust, debris, germs, and even tiny insects
  • Prevent intruders from passing through the ear canal and potentially damaging the sensitive inner ear
  • Protecting the fragile skin covering the ear canal from irritation, such as when water accidentally enters the ear

As the glands produce more cerumen, the substance gradually exits to the outer ear. From there, it gets cleared off by:

  • Washing hair
  • Showering or bathing
  • Other personal hygiene practices

However, ear wax can accumulate, especially in people whose ear glands are more active than others. Moreover, HealthInAging.org explains that cerumen build-up is more likely in older people, as aging can cause changes to ear components, resulting in stickier and drier wax.

Over time, cerumen build-up can harden and result in an impaction. When this happens, the impacted wax blocks the ear canal, restricting sounds from reaching the cochlea.

The problem is that the cochlea converts sound waves into electrical signals and forwards them to the brain. When the ear can't coordinate with the brain, hearing loss occurs.

Ear Infections

Ear infections, especially those affecting the middle ear (called "otitis media"), can cause temporary and sudden hearing loss, usually by causing fluids to build up behind the eardrum. The fluid build-up can block sound transmission, especially in severe infections or if the condition affects the inner ear.

Older adults may be at a higher risk of ear infections since aging can cause the tissues in the ear to be more prone to degeneration. Moreover, as News-Medical.net points out, aging can weaken the immune system, heightening susceptibility to infections.

Exposure to Loud Noises

Decibels (dB) is the unit of measurement used for the amplitude or intensity of sounds. 0 dB is near silence, and anything higher is audible.

Loud sounds or noises usually fall within the 85 dB range, and regular exposure to these can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), according to HealthyHearing.com. Anything higher than 85 dB can lead to immediate hearing impairment, while those with dB values of 120 or higher can result in both immediate and permanent hearing loss. Some sources of noise with dB values of 85 or higher are:

  • Heavy traffic: Up to 90 dB
  • Power tools: 90 dB
  • Audio headset players set to maximum level: 105 dB
  • Sirens and concerts: 120 dB
  • Sporting events: 105 to 130 dB, depending on the location
  • Fireworks: 140 to 160 dB

Anyone exposed to loud noises can develop temporary or permanent hearing loss after one exposure. However, some seniors are at a higher risk, as aging can make them more sensitive or intolerable to loud sounds.

Head Trauma

Head trauma, which seniors can experience after a fall incident, can dislocate or damage ear structures, including the eardrum. The eardrum can become perforated or ruptured, causing temporary hearing loss.

Treatment for Temporary Hearing Impairment

Treatment for temporary hearing loss depends on the cause:

  • Professional earwax removal for cerumen build-up or impaction
  • Antibiotics for ear infections
  • Steroid therapy to help ease inflammation and promote healing
  • Ear tubes, small tubes surgically placed in the eardrum to facilitate fluid drainage

In some cases, temporary hearing loss goes away without intervention, such as if it's due to a ruptured ear drum or loud sound exposure. However, to help facilitate recovery, seniors should rest their ears by avoiding noisy environments. Staying hydrated can also help, as further hearing loss and other unwanted symptoms like dry mouth and dizziness can result from dehydration in seniors.

Measures to Prevent Temporary Hearing Damage or Loss

While temporary hearing loss will go away on its own, it's still highly unpleasant and can even be debilitating and cause more problems like balance issues in seniors. For this reason, it's always best for older adults to prevent it by following the 60/60 rule for hearing safety. It involves keeping the volume of audio devices to 60% or below and limiting their use to 60 minutes daily.

Another preventive strategy is to wear hearing protection in noisy environments. Earplugs or earmuffs, for example, protect the ears by minimizing the intensity of noise that reaches the inner ear.

Better yet, avoid settings with too much noise as much as possible. Spend more time in quiet, serene environments like libraries or wellness centers. All these (and more) are exceptional amenities you'll find and enjoy in our highly reputable assisted living community, LakeHouse Manitowoc.

Practicing good hygiene habits, such as hair washing and bathing, can also help prevent temporary hearing loss caused by ear infections and cerumen build-up.

Maintain Optimal Hearing in Your Senior Years

Temporary hearing loss, whether caused by ear wax build-up or exposure to loud noises, is preventable and treatable. Proper hygiene, noise avoidance, and hearing protection can help you or your elderly loved one protect your auditory functions throughout your golden years.

Let LakeHouse Manitowoc be your partner in achieving optimal senior well-being. Here, you can enjoy the company and help of our compassionate personal care providers, outstanding on-site amenities, delicious and nutritious meals, and peaceful surroundings.

Call us today to schedule a tour of our assisted living community in Manitowoc, WI.

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