Muffled Hearing: Causes and Solutions

Is it Earwax?

Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, plays a crucial role in protecting your ears from infection. This wax moves from inside your ears to the outside when you chew or talk. It then dries and flakes off on its own. However, if you use a cotton swab to clean the inside of your ears, you may push the wax deeper into the ear. This causes earwax buildup, resulting in muffled hearing. It is one of the most common causes of dizziness in the elderly.

Other factors, such as the use of earplugs and hearing aids, can also cause earwax buildup. It is one of the main causes of dizziness in old age. Some common symptoms of this buildup are as follows:

• Earache

• Itchiness

• Discharge

• Ringing

• Odour

• Extreme pressure

Is it Age-Related?

Presbycusis is another common cause of muffled hearing. It refers to the gradual age-related loss of hearing in high-pitched sounds. This kind of hearing loss is one of the most common causes of dizziness in old age. It is so slow in some cases that you might not even realise your hearing capacity is reversing. Hence, regular checkups are essential. If you have parents that suffer from such issues, ensure they are covered under health insurance for senior citizens.

If you feel your ability to hear high-pitched sounds is weakening, you must consult an audiologist who can help you with the right treatments.

The following reasons can cause presbycusis:

• More than 200 medications, including chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics, can cause hearing loss.

• Blood supply to the ears can be hindered due to high blood pressure and diabetes.

Broken appliances and other safety issues

On your next visit home if you find broken appliances or notice any safety concerns such as

● Inability to identify and respond to danger

● Forgetting to turn off the gas stove

● Leaving a candle or cigarette burning while sleeping

It is time to look for additional help or discuss the option of assisted living because your parents might be at risk of injury.

Is it Aeroplane Ear?

Aeroplane ear refers to the condition in which there is an imbalance between the pressure in your middle ear and the surrounding air pressure. It is another cause behind muffled hearing. Minor cases of aeroplane infection get resolved on their own within a few hours.

However, you must visit a doctor if it lasts longer. It can cause stuffiness and an earache. You can get an aeroplane ear in an aeroplane or an elevator. Driving up to tall mountains can also lead to this condition. Any costs related to testing or treatment can be covered with health insurance.

Other causes of this condition include:

• Common cold

• Hay fever

• Otitis media (Middle ear infection)

• Diving

• Sinus infection

Is it Noise Damage?

Acoustic trauma is another common reason for muffled hearing. It refers to noise-induced hearing loss that causes damage to the auditory nerve. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, and it can range from mild to severe.

The following reasons can cause it:

• Exposure to an extremely loud noise, like an explosion.

• Regular exposure to loud noises.

• Hunting or target shooting without appropriate ear protection gear.

• Attending loud concerts.

• Long-term use of headphones.

Is it Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s disease happens in the inner ear. It typically occurs in only one ear. This disease has a variety of symptoms including tinnitus, earache, vertigo and muffled hearing. It can either cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Although the causes of this disease are still unclear, it can be attributed to abnormal fluid in the inner ear. Also, its symptoms may improve or disappear with time.

Some reasons behind this disease include:

• Viral infection

• Head trauma

• Allergies

• Blockage

• Migraines

Is it Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is another common cause of muffled hearing, characterised by ringing, buzzing, clicking, or humming sounds in the ears. This condition can be temporary or permanent. It is caused by damaged sensory hair cells in the inner ear. It is one of the common causes of dizziness in the elderly. However, even young adults can develop this.

Below are some causes of Tinnitus:

• Sinus pressure

• Earwax buildup

• Head or neck injury

• Common cold

• Drugs like antibiotics, water pills and diuretics

• Age-related hearing loss

• Noise-induced hearing loss

• Temporomandibular joint disorder