The American Lung Association has found that the typical adult gets up to four colds every year. Although colds are normally minor viral infections, that’s a lot. It doesn’t matter what part of the body the virus attacks, if it results in congestion, it can cause an ear infection.
Even though most people think colds are harmless, there are certain symptoms you shouldn’t ever dismiss. The connection between the common cold and ear infections has finally been verified by researchers. This finding is significant, because ear infections are a major contributing variable in the disturbing rise in antibiotic resistance.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
It’s really common to feel stuffed up in your ears when you’re suffering from a cold due to the fact that your sinuses and ears are interconnected. Ordinarily, this feeling comes and goes, particularly if you’re taking a decongestant and your head is draining fluids. But in only a few hours congestion can turn into an ear infection. This is the reason that if you’re experiencing pain or discharge in your ears you should get professional assistance.
Pain can be an indication of inflammation and infection and is a signal your cold is moving in the wrong direction. You can avoid permanent damage, if caught early enough, by getting a prescription for antibiotics. If it’s ignored, it can result in scarring on the eardrum and possibly damage to the cilia from inflammation.
How significant is this? A cold will generally only cause temporary issues with your hearing. Injury to your eardrum or cilia, however, can lead to permanent hearing loss…which can lead to other health issues.
Your Overall Health Can be Impacted by Loss of Hearing
Loss of cognitive capacity, depression, more accidents, and other health concerns are linked to loss of hearing. An increase in healthcare expenses has been connected to loss of hearing by researchers recently. In fact, in only 10 years, untreated hearing loss can raise your healthcare expenses by 46%.
Hearing loss can also increase your probability of needing hospitalization by 50%….and the likelihood of needing to be readmitted also increases.
It adds up every time your ears take even minor damage. Even mild hearing loss can, Johns Hopkins found, double your probability of getting dementia. Think about the fact that every time you get an ear infection it can lead to scarring that leads to significant hearing loss over time.
Have You Had Ear Pain For Several Days?
Have you been suffered from ear pain for days and neglected it? Get treatment right away. Don’t make the common mistake of waiting too long. There’s a reason most health insurance companies consider ear pain or signs of an ear infection an emergency. It’s important to get your ear examined if you had any pain during your cold or are still having trouble hearing after your cold has cleared. If you get a hearing test you can find out if:
- there is any impact on your inner ear
- you currently have an infection
- you need to deal with injury to the eardrum
A professional examination can also make sure there are no blockages in the ear that might cause discomfort or temporary hearing loss.
Ear pain or prolonged hearing loss are certain signs that you should see a professional. Schedule an appointment right away.