Can the cold and flu season affect your hearing?
We’ve all been bracing the colder months, with many of us dealing with the dreaded cold and flu season. While we may be familiar with the usual symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose, it’s important to know that these illnesses can also have an impact on our hearing. That’s right – hearing loss from flu is a real thing! In this blog post, we’ll explore how catching a cold or the flu can affect your hearing and provide some helpful tips on how to avoid getting sick in the first place. So grab yourself a warm drink and let’s dive in!
How can the cold and flu season affect your hearing?
When we catch a cold or the flu, our bodies are busy fighting off the virus. This can cause inflammation and fluid build-up in our sinuses, throat, and ears which can lead to temporary hearing loss.
The middle ear is especially vulnerable during an illness as it is connected to the upper respiratory tract through a small tube called the Eustachian tube. When this tube becomes blocked due to congestion from a cold or flu, it interferes with airflow in the middle ear causing pressure changes that affect your hearing.
In some cases, catching an infection like measles or meningitis can result in permanent hearing loss if left untreated. Researchers have also found evidence linking certain strains of influenza viruses with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), a condition where there is rapid loss of hearing without any apparent cause.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as muffled or decreased hearing after recovering from a cold or flu, it’s important to see an audiologist for testing and treatment options.
What are some tips to avoid getting the cold or flu?
There’s no sure-fire way to avoid getting sick during the cold and flu season, but there are some tips you can follow to minimize your chances of catching an illness. Here are a few things you can do:
- Wash Your Hands Regularly: One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs is by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use warm water and soap, and scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Germs often enter our bodies through our eyes, nose, and mouth. Try not to touch your face unless necessary, especially if you haven’t washed your hands recently.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your mucous membranes moist so they can better trap viruses before they reach other parts of your body.
- Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections like colds and flu. Aim for seven or eight hours of restful sleep each night.
These simple precautions won’t guarantee that you’ll stay healthy all winter long, but they will give you a fighting chance against seasonal illnesses.
Take care of your hearing health
To discuss your hearing concerns, please book a diagnostic hearing test at CVH Audiology in Benoni or Bedfordview by calling our office on 011 615 3047 or email candice@cvhaudiology.co.za
