Ear problems are a pain. Will they heal on their own, or should you see an audiologist?
Some conditions of the ear are mild, while others are alarming. You may have heard that some ear conditions heal on their own, but others need immediate medical attention. Does ear damage heal? Is some damage permanent? If you are dealing with any of the conditions below, it may clear up on its own. However, we’ll also inform you when to call for a doctor or audiologist.
Ear Damages That Can Heal on Their Own
Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be a one-time, occasional, or constant phenomenon for people. This ringing in the ears is still a mystery to many, but generally associated with damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea, an inner ear organ that transmits sound waves to the vestibulocochlear nerve. In many cases, the tinnitus will go away on its own. If you are experiencing tinnitus, limit your exposure to loud sounds.
Hearing Loss from a Sudden Loud Noise
If you suffer hearing loss from loud noise exposure, the symptoms will likely clear up on their own. One should always wear hearing protection when exposed to loud sounds, such as pop music concerts, lawnmowers, and more. It is better to be safe than risk permanent hearing loss, even if the majority of hearing recovers itself.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can happen to anyone, whether it is cold and flu season or the middle of summer, whether you are young or old. They mostly clear up on their own; treatment often involves managing the symptoms, such as pain. Even ruptured eardrums heal on their own, but should that happen, you need to see a doctor at once to prevent further infection.
Hearing Loss from an Ear Wax Blockage
Some hearing loss cases are conductive, meaning something is blocking the ear canal. In most cases, it is ear wax. The best way to remove compacted earwax is to use eardrops or take a shower to soften hardened ear wax. Ear wax is self-draining, but if you have dry ear wax, it may become compacted. In worse cases, it’s best to have an audiologist clear it out for you.
When to See a Doctor or Audiologist
You should absolutely call a doctor or audiologist for these symptoms:
- Sudden, unexplained hearing loss
- Deep cuts
- Fractures or broken bones
- Ruptured eardrums
- Dizziness
- Severe ear pain
- Mild-to-severe hearing loss
- Compacted earwax
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.