Any time the seasons change, it seems like colds and the flu make the rounds. While these are common illnesses that leave us feeling worn down, did you know that they can also impact our hearing health? During the cold and flu season, it is especially important to take care of your ears. The unfortunate truth is that ear infections and hearing problems increase during this time of year. If they are severe enough, they can lead to temporary or long-term hearing health problems.
Read on to learn the different ways colds and the flu can impact your hearing health and how to protect your hearing.
Why Do Colds and the Flu Affect Your Ears?
Whenever we get a cold or have the flu, our body produces more mucus to try to fight the infection. As it builds up in our sinuses, it can travel to our ears through the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of our throat.
If this small tube gets blocked with mucus or due to swelling, it can lead to a middle ear infection.
Common Ear Problems During Cold and Flu Season
While ear infections are the most common issue impacting our hearing health, it is not the only one.
- Ear Infections: Painful inflammation caused by fluid and bacteria trapped in the middle ear.
- Temporary Hearing Loss: Fluid buildup in the ear can make sounds seem muffled and harder to hear.
- Ear Pressure: This sensation can be caused by a swollen Eustachian tube.
- Tinnitus: This is associated with a ringing or buzzing in the ear and can sometimes start following an ear infection.
- Dizziness and Balance Problems: Because the inner ear controls our balance, an ear infection can sometimes cause a sense of vertigo.
Ear Infection Symptoms
It is important to know the various signs of an ear infection. If symptoms linger or worsen, consult a doctor for treatment.
- Ear discomfort and pain
- Difficulty hearing
- Pressure in the ear
- Drainage from the ear
- Fever
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
Anytime these symptoms last longer than a few days or continue to worsen, you need to see a doctor or hearing health professional to protect your hearing.
How to Protect Your Ears During Cold and Flu Season
Below are several things you can do to help protect your ears.
Frequently Wash Your Hands
This helps to avoid getting sick by destroying the germs that cause colds and the flu. We spread germs by touching surfaces and shaking hands.
Get a Flu Shot
This lowers the risk of getting seriously ill and reduces the chance of getting an ear infection.
Treat Colds and Flu
If you get sick, it’s important to take care of yourself. Rest and staying hydrated can help manage the symptoms. Using decongestants and nasal sprays can help to lower the sinus pressure and prevent fluid from building up in your ears.
Keep Ears Dry and Clean
Moisture helps bacteria to grow. That is why it’s important to make sure water isn’t trapped in your ears when bathing or swimming. Dry your ears gently or tilt your head to help water drain out.
Avoid Inserting Objects into Your Ears
When cotton swabs are used to clean your ears, they can push wax deposits deeper and can damage the eardrum, especially when the illness has already made the ear sensitive.
When to Seek Treatment
While most ear infections clear up in a day or two, others linger. Knowing when to see a doctor is important. The symptoms below are indicators that you need to see a doctor:
- Severe ear pain
- High fever
- Ongoing drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss that doesn’t improve after the illness
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
Conclusion
Certainly, cold and flu season can lead to the sniffles and coughs, but it also opens us up to ear infections and hearing problems. Knowing the connection between illnesses and hearing health can help you determine if you need medical attention. Protect your hearing health by recognizing the signs of an ear infection.