Middle ear hearing loss
Our middle ear conducts sound to the inner ear.
We call it an impedance machine because it pushes sound through to the nerve of hearing. If the hearing process gets blocked in the middle ear, hearing becomes difficult as it is slowing down the transference of sound.
The inner ear deals with interpreting sound; the middle ear transfers it to the inner ear.
The temporary nature of a middle ear hearing loss involves a cold or ear infection. The middle ear fills with fluid affecting sound being transferred to the brain. This causes a temporary hearing loss until the illness passes.
Permanent middle ear hearing loss usually involves the bones in the middle ear or long term infections within the middle ear that cannot be cured due to the wet, enclosed nature of the middle ear.
What happens to you?
- People are just not loud enough; everyone speaks too softly
- You’re hearing through fluid in the ears and it distorts what people are saying
- Your hearing can feel worse on a daily basis as the fluid clears or blocks in your ears
- You often have tinnitus “ringing” in the ears
How to cope with middle ear hearing loss
- See a doctor, as most middle ear hearing loss is temporary. Never ignore an ear ache
- Ongoing problems must be referred to an E.N.T. Surgeon
- There is a possibility of corrective surgery for conditions such as Otosclerosis that will help to regain hearing. There are risks with all surgeries related to the ear
- For permanent middle ear hearing losses, inquire about a hearing aid. This will assist with your hearing