Can ear infections cause hearing loss?

A middle ear infection, or otitis media, is the most common cause of hearing loss in children, although adults sometimes get it, too. Otitis externa (swimmer's ear), a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin lining the canal of the outer ear, is more common in adults than children. The infection can lead to hearing loss by causing a discharge or swelling in the ear canal. Other infections can cause hearing loss. One is labyrinthitis, which affects both the cochlea, a snail-shaped structure in the inner ear, and the balance organs of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and dizziness. Another is meningitis, a brain infection that can damage the auditory nerves.

People are often concerned about the hearing loss they experience during an ear infection. Most people (children and adults) will have a temporary and minor hearing loss during and immediately following an ear infection. With proper treatment, there is seldom any permanent hearing loss.

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