A report by The American Lung Association states that the typical adult gets up to four colds every year. That’s a lot even if the majority of colds are minor viral infections. Whether the virus attacks the respiratory system, throat, or sinuses, it can produce ear congestion, and eventually, an infection in the ear.
There are certain symptoms of a cold you shouldn’t ignore despite the fact that colds are normally considered harmless. Scientists have finally affirmed the suspected connection between ear infections and the common cold. This discovery is significant, because ear infections are a significant contributing variable in the troubling rise in antibiotic resistance.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Considering that your sinuses and ears are connected, it’s not unusual to feel congested in your ears when you’re experiencing a cold. Normally, this feeling comes and goes, particularly if you’re using a decongestant and your head is draining fluids. But congestion can turn into an ear infection in only a few hours. This is the reason why you should always seek expert help if you have any pain or unusual discharge in your ear.
Pain can be an indication of inflammation and infection and is a signal your cold is getting worse. You can avoid permanent injury, if caught early enough, by getting a prescription for antibiotics. It can lead to eardrum scaring and may harm the cilia if neglected.
How significant is this? A cold will usually 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 Harmed by Loss of Hearing
Loss of cognitive ability, depression, an increase in accidents, and other health issues have been linked to loss of hearing. An increase in healthcare expenses has been connected to loss of hearing by researchers recently. As a matter of fact, in just a decade, untreated hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by 46%.
Your probability of requiring hospitalization with untreated hearing loss increases by 50%….and also increase the likelihood of needing to be readmitted.
Even minor damage can add up. Even mild hearing loss can, Johns Hopkins found, double your chances of getting dementia. Consider the fact that significant hearing loss can be caused by scarring on the eardrum from recurring ear infections.
Suffering From Pain for Days?
Have you been suffered from ear pain for days and ignored it? Seek treatment right away. Don’t make the normal mistake of waiting too long. There’s a reason the majority of health insurance companies consider ear pain or signs of an ear infection an emergency. If you feel pain in your ear during a cold or after a cold get a hearing examination. A professional exam can tell you whether:
- there is any affect on your inner ear
- you currently have an ear infection
- you need to deal with injury to the eardrum
A professional evaluation can also make sure there are no obstructions in the ear that might cause irritation or temporary loss of hearing.
Ear pain or chronic loss of hearing are sure signs that you need to consult a professional. Schedule a hearing exam today.