Not all hearing loss is permanent. Some people develop temporary hearing loss that may go away on its own or after treatment from a medical professional.
Common Causes of Temporary Hearing Loss 
Exposure to Loud Noise
Have you ever noticed your hearing was a bit muffled after seeing a concert or going to Tucson Monster Trucks? If so, then you have experienced the effect loud noises can have on your hearing ability.
Any exposure to sounds louder than 85 dB has the potential to cause hearing loss. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to damage your hearing. It’s estimated that up to 40 million adults in the US under the age of 70 have some degree of hearing loss due to noise exposure
While this type of hearing loss can be temporary, any damage that has occurred to your inner ear as a result of noise exposure cannot be reversed. Repeated, unprotected exposure to harmful volumes can lead to permanent hearing loss. In order to prevent this, use earplugs or custom hearing protection when you know you’ll be in a loud environment.
Earwax Buildup
Sometimes too much earwax can build up in your ear and block the ear canal. If you’ve experienced this, you are probably familiar with the sensation of your ear feeling full or plugged. This buildup can also cause tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and some hearing loss.
If the wax cannot be removed with a warm cloth, reach out to a medical professional to have it removed. Trying to do so yourself with cotton swabs or any kind of sharp object is dangerous and may push the wax deeper into your ear canal.
Ear Infections
You might think that ear infections only happen in childhood. However, adults can still get them, even though it’s less likely. In certain cases, these infections can cause temporary hearing loss.
While many ear infections clear up on their own, it’s always best to see your doctor if you suspect you might have one. If it’s caused by bacteria it will need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent it from potentially becoming more serious.
What to do if Hearing Loss Comes on Suddenly
If you develop sudden or rapid hearing loss in one or both ears, see your doctor right away. You may have inflammation that requires immediate treatment with steroids. Without this treatment, your temporary hearing loss could become permanent.
If you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our hearing specialists, contact Arizona Hearing Specialists today.