There are a large number of reasons for muffled hearing. In most cases, this condition is short-term. But muffled hearing can also be an indication that a more serious hearing issue is happening. In part, that’s because, outside of sudden hearing loss, hearing loss is typically not a condition that develops suddenly. Symptoms develop slowly and over time.
Typically, one of the first detectable symptoms is a sense that sounds feel muffled, distorted, or quieter. However, it’s significant to point out that muffled hearing in and of itself is not always an indication of long-term hearing loss. Indeed, millions of people experience muffled hearing each year.
You might be wondering: when do I need to be concerned about muffled hearing? The answer depends on several factors. Recognizing the root cause of your muffled hearing is crucial to finding the best treatment plan. Additional damage can be prevented and your hearing can get back to normal with some quick solutions. Calling us for a consultation can help you begin this process, typically leading to successful treatments, so you can continue enjoying the sounds of your everyday life.
What is muffled hearing?
When sound can’t travel through your outer, middle, and inner ear in a normal way, your hearing can sound muffled. A rather noticeable decrease in sound quality is the result. Hearing won’t be entirely gone with muffled hearing but things will sound distorted and quieter. Hearing speech and language can be particularly tough.
In many cases, and depending on the root cause, muffled hearing can be associated with a sense of fullness or stuffiness in your ears. Lots of individuals have experienced this feeling temporarily, for instance, when they have a cold or are taking a flight. This clogged feeling, however, doesn’t always come with muffled hearing.
What causes muffled hearing?
There are a lot of potential causes of muffled hearing. In order to formulate the correct course of treatment, it’s essential to determine the root cause. Here are several of the most prevalent causes:
- Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s Disease is a long-term balance and hearing problem. Over time, this disease can trigger tinnitus, loss of hearing (often starting with muffled hearing), and dizziness or loss of balance. The symptoms of Menier’s disease can be treated but not cured.
- Travel: Altitude changes, such as when you’re on a plane, can lead to a feeling of muffled ears. In most instances, this feeling will pass rapidly and your hearing will go back to normal.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Hearing loss which results from noise-related damage can sometimes bring about muffled hearing. Regrettably, this form of hearing loss is usually irreversible. Muffled hearing is often one of the earliest detectable symptoms; but by the time you notice the distorted sounds, damage to your stereocilia has most likely already occurred. If you don’t seek out treatment quickly, your hearing will rapidly get worse.
- Infection: Inflammation of the ear canal will often accompany issues such as ear infections or sinus infections. This will diminish your hearing ability by causing the ear canal to swell shut. Once the root infection goes away, any inflammation it caused should also clear.
- Earwax buildup: Usually, earwax is a positive thing. It helps keep your ear canal healthy. But muffled hearing (and in some cases even hearing loss) can be the result of too much earwax. This earwax can typically be loosened up by utilizing a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Do not use a cotton swab to try to free the earwax, as cotton swabs can compact your earwax and make the problem worse. We can help if the issue continues.
- Age-related hearing loss: As you age, your hearing can diminish as a result of natural causes. After all, there are few senses as acute when you are 80 as when you are 18. This natural decline in your hearing ability can cause muffled hearing over time.
Depending on the underlying cause, the precise symptoms of muffled hearing will vary.
Can muffled hearing be cured?
Some types of muffled hearing can’t be cured. The underlying cause of your muffled hearing will establish the treatment strategy. We may use some special tools to help clean out your ear canal if, for example, earwax buildup is at the root of your muffled hearing. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed if your muffled hearing is being caused by an infection.
In terms of sensorineural hearing loss, the focus changes to symptom management rather than a total cure. That’s because there’s no cure for sensorineural hearing loss. But it is possible to control symptoms. There may be several approaches to this treatment including a pair of hearing aids.
Hearing aids can help you stay connected to loved ones and go about your day-to-day activities without a significantly noticeable impact, especially when this process is started quickly.
Avoiding muffled hearing
Some forms of muffled hearing are hard to avoid, no matter what. Infections, for example, can’t always be avoided.
Getting your hearing tested, however, can help identify any causes of muffled hearing and can help avoid any long-term hearing loss that might be developing. These checkups can help you stay on top of your hearing health and get treatment promptly.
