There are a large number of reasons for muffled hearing. For the majority of people, it’s a short-term experience. But muffled hearing can also be an indication that a more serious hearing problem is occurring. That’s because, for the most part, hearing loss is a slowly progressing condition. Symptoms build slowly and over time.
Often, one of the first noticeable symptoms is a sense that sounds feel muffled, distorted, or quieter. Muffled hearing, however, isn’t necessarily an indication that you’re developing permanent hearing loss. Indeed, millions of people experience muffled hearing every year.
Perhaps you’re wondering if you should be worried about your muffled hearing. Generally, the answer varies. Understanding the root cause of your muffled hearing is essential to finding the best treatment strategy. Prompt solutions can in some cases help get your hearing back to normal, or, at least reduce possible harm. You will be able to get back to enjoying the sounds of your life after you get us to assist you with some successful treatments.
What is muffled hearing?
Muffled hearing occurs when sound is not able to travel through your outer, middle, and inner ear in the way that it usually does. A very noticeable decline in sound fidelity is the result. In the majority of instances, individuals with muffled hearing can still hear some or even most things, but things sound quieter or distorted. This may particularly affect your ability to hear and understand voices and spoken language.
Your ears will frequently also feel clogged up when your hearing is muffled. Sometimes, when you’re taking a flight or have a cold you might experience this feeling. This clogged feeling, however, doesn’t always come along with muffled hearing.
Causes of muffled hearing
There are a lot of potential causes of muffled hearing. Identifying the underlying cause of your muffled hearing can be important in developing a successful treatment plan. Some of the most common causes of muffled hearing include the following:
- Hearing loss related to age: Most individuals will experience diminishing hearing as they age. Needless to say, when you’re 80 all of your senses will be less sharp than when you were 18. Over time, muffled hearing can be the result of this normal diminishing of your hearing.
- Travel: Altitude changes, like when you’re on a plane, can lead to a feeling of muffled ears. Your hearing will go back to normal relatively quickly once your physical conditions return to normal.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Hearing loss which results from noise-related damage can sometimes cause muffled hearing. This type of hearing loss is, unfortunately, normally irreversible. Muffled hearing is frequently one of the first detectable symptoms; but by the time you notice the distorted sounds, damage to your stereocilia has probably already taken place. You should find treatment promptly to avoid your hearing growing significantly worse quickly.
- Earwax buildup: Normally, earwax is a good thing. It helps keep your ear canal healthy. However, excessive earwax can ultimately cause muffled hearing (or even loss of hearing). This earwax can usually be loosened up by utilizing a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Do not use a cotton swab to attempt to dislodge the earwax, as cotton swabs can compact your earwax and make the issue worse. If the issue persists, come in and talk to us.
- Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s Disease is a chronic balance and hearing problem. Dizziness, balance problems, tinnitus, and muffled ears will manifest over time as a result of this disease. There’s no cure for Meniere’s Disease, but symptoms can be managed.
- Infection: Inflammation of the ear canal will frequently come with problems like ear infections or sinus infections. This will decrease your hearing ability by causing the ear canal to swell shut. Muffled hearing symptoms due to infections will usually clear up after the root illness has been dealt with.
The exact symptoms of muffled hearing will differ depending on the underlying cause.
Can muffled hearing be cured?
Not all kinds of muffled hearing can be cured. The treatment for your muffled hearing will change depending on the underlying cause. For instance, if excess earwax buildup is the primary cause, we may use specific tools to help you clear out your ear canal. Muffled hearing caused by an ear infection will usually clear up once the infection has been managed, so antibiotics are usually prescribed.
In terms of sensorineural hearing loss, the focus changes to symptom management as opposed to a complete cure. That’s because sensorineural hearing loss can not be reversed. However, symptoms can be controlled. There may be several approaches to this treatment including a pair of hearing aids.
With hearing aids, you can keep enjoying your daily activities without hearing loss effecting your quality of life.
How to avoid muffled hearing in the first place
No matter what you do, certain forms of muffled hearing can’t be prevented. Infections, for example, can’t always be avoided.
Having your hearing examined, however, can help detect any causes of muffled hearing and can help prevent any long-term hearing loss that might be developing. These checkups can help you stay on top of your hearing health and get treatment quickly.
