To alleviate hearing loss from a cold is usually brought about by blockage, mucus, or swelling in the ear. It can cause earaches because of the cold, and it is quite a bother, especially when it messes with your hearing. But here’s some good news: you don’t always need to rush to the pharmacy for relief. Many simple home remedies can help restore your hearing and ease the discomfort caused by a cold. These natural solutions are easy to try and gentle on your body. Let’s explore some of the most effective home remedies for hearing loss due to cold.
What Is The Cause Of An Earache?
An ear infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Earaches can be a real pain, literally! Here’s a quick analysis of common causes of earaches due to colds.
- Ear Infections: Bacterial or viral infections in the ear canal.
- Fluid Buildup: Often due to colds or sinus infections.
- Wax Buildup: Too much earwax can cause blockages and discomfort.
- Injury: Any trauma to the ear, like poking it with a cotton swab.
- Throat Infections: Sometimes pain from a sore throat can radiate to the ears.
- Teething: In kids, teething can cause ear pain.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to ear pain too.
Remember, if you are dealing with persistent ear pain, it’s always best to check with a healthcare professional!
*Feel free to share this info to help others!
What To Use For Earache Home Remedies
Earaches are often caused by respiratory viral infections like colds and the flu. These viruses can lead to swelling and fluid accumulation in the ears. The same home remedies that help relieve congestion from a cold can also be effective for earaches.
- Resting is essential as it helps your body strengthen its immune system to combat infections.
- Drink fluids: This will help prevent dehydration, which can make you weaker. Hot beverages like tea or hot soup can also provide relief from nasal jam.
- Use a humidifier: It maintains moisture in the air, which can alleviate congestion.
- Consider using a neti pot: It can be effective in relieving severe nasal congestion that might lead to ear pain.
Herbal Remedies
To apply herbal remedies to hearing problems due to a cold, mainly concentrate on treating nasal congestion with herbs possessing decongestant properties, such as steam inhalation using eucalyptus oil, consumption of herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, or peppermint, and the use of humidifier to introduce moisture into the air, which can loosen mucus and relieve pressure in the ears.
Take the Advice Of a Healthcare Provider
Ear pain usually improves within 2 to 3 days, either on its own or with some home care. Often, a simple pain reliever and monitoring for any worsening symptoms are all that’s needed. However, it’s crucial to recognize when your discomfort could indicate a more serious issue and take advice to doctors for better health care.
Small Exercises
Many exercises you can do at your home, like rotating your neck will help alleviate pressure in the ear canal that may arise from various conditions. And one more exercise you can try is to sit up straight with both feet flat on the ground. Gently rotate your neck towards one shoulder. Additionally, you can lift your shoulders as high as you can. After that definitely, you will feel better.
Self-Care
- Living with hearing loss can be difficult, even if you’re using treatments such as hearing aids or have undergone cochlear implant surgery. There may be moments when your hearing isn’t as good as you’d prefer.
- If you find yourself in this situation, it might be helpful to inform others about your hearing loss. Additionally, hearing loss can impact your emotional well-being.
- Even with treatment, feelings of depression or anxiety can arise. If you’re experiencing these emotions, think about discussing your feelings with a healthcare provider.
Safety
Using items like cotton swabs and bobby pins to clean your ears is not advisable. These tools can push earwax deeper into the ear and may introduce bacteria, dust, or dirt. A more significant concern is that they can cause cuts in the ear canal, which could lead to infections, or even damage the eardrum or the bones in the middle ear. So you need to be careful with your ears. make sure to confirm, whether this is because of bacterial infection, or viral infection.
Takeaways
Earaches are one of the most common reasons people visit their doctors. It can be caused by various factors, including ear infections, changes in pressure, or nasal congestion due to respiratory infections like colds or the flu. To ease ear pain at home, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers, apply warm or cold compresses, and sleep in an upright position. If the pain persists for more than a few days, it’s important to see your doctor. If your child is experiencing ear pain, it often indicates an ear infection, and they should see their pediatrician right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can A Cold Cause Permanent Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss caused by a cold is typically temporary. It usually resolves as the cold symptoms improve. However, if an ear infection develops or fluid remains in the ear for an extended period, it could potentially lead to more serious, long-term hearing issues.
How Do You Stop Earache?
Apply a cold compress or wet washcloth to the outside of your ear for 20 minutes. Try chewing gum to help relieve pressure. Rest in an upright position to reduce pressure in your middle ear. Try applying heat to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
What To Avoid?
You should avoid using decongestants and antihistamines when treating an ear infection. Clinical guidelines even advise healthcare providers against recommending these medications to their patients.
