Muffled voices, dull sounds and an odd feeling of pressure in the ear can be alarming when they happen out of the blue. These symptoms are often a sign that something has interrupted the normal flow of sound through your ears.
Let’s look at four common reasons you might be experiencing muffled hearing, along with tips for treatment and prevention.
Four Common Causes of Muffled Hearing
Four common causes behind muffled hearing include:
- Earwax buildup. Earwax is your ear’s natural defense against dirt and bacteria. But sometimes, too much of it accumulates and causes a blockage, especially if you regularly use cotton swabs or in-ear headphones. To help prevent blockages, avoid cotton swabs and opt for over-the-ear headphones. In the event of a blockage, schedule a professional cleaning for safe wax removal.
- Middle ear infections. An infection behind the eardrum can lead to fluid buildup that blocks sound transmission, making your hearing feel muffled. Ear infections are especially common in children, but they can affect you at any age. You can reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands frequently, avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and staying up to date on vaccinations (like flu and measles). Most infections clear on their own, but you should visit us for persistent or painful symptoms.
- Pressure changes (barotrauma). Flying, scuba diving or even driving through the mountains can cause pressure imbalances between your middle ear and the outside world. This condition, often called airplane ear, can temporarily muffle your hearing. To ease the pressure, yawn or swallow frequently, chew gum, use the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing through your pinched nose) or try pressure-regulating earplugs during air travel or altitude changes.
- Noise or age-related inner ear damage. Not all cases of muffled hearing are temporary. Long-term exposure to loud noise or natural aging can permanently damage the inner ear. You might not notice it initially, but sounds may start to feel harder to understand, especially in noisy environments like Friday night outings at Coppers Barley. If you have permanent inner ear damage, hearing aids are a common and effective solution for restoring clarity.
When to Seek Help
Sudden changes in hearing should never be ignored, especially if they come with pain, dizziness or pressure. While some causes are minor and temporary, others require medical care or ongoing management.
Schedule an appointment with Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today for a hearing test and treatment plan.