A report by The American Lung Association states that the average adult gets as many as four colds every year. While colds are normally minor viral infections, that’s still a lot. Whether the virus attacks the throat, respiratory system, or sinuses, it can produce ear congestion, and eventually, an ear infection.

There are some symptoms of a cold you shouldn’t ignore despite the fact that colds are usually considered harmless. The link between the common cold and ear infections has finally been confirmed by scientists. This discovery is significant, because ear infections are a major contributing variable in the disturbing rise in antibiotic resistance.

You Should Never Ignore These Symptoms

It’s really ordinary to feel stuffed up in your ears when you’re suffering from a cold due to the fact that your sinuses and ears are interconnected. If you’re using a decongestant, and your head is draining fluids, this feeling generally comes and goes. But in only a few hours congestion can turn into an ear infection. This is the reason that if you have pain or discharge in your ears you should seek professional help.

Pain can be an indication of inflammation and infection and is a sign your cold is getting worse. You can prevent permanent injury, if detected early enough, by getting a prescription for antibiotics. It can result in eardrum scaring and might damage the cilia if neglected.

How significant is this? A cold will normally only cause temporary issues with your hearing. However, permanent loss of hearing can result if the eardrum or cilia become injured and that can result in other health problems.

Your Overall Health Can be Impacted by Loss of Hearing

Hearing loss has been associated with other health issues, from loss of cognitive capability to depression to an increase in accidents. Researchers have recently found a link between loss of hearing and more expensive healthcare costs. In fact, in just a decade, neglected hearing loss can raise your healthcare expenses by 46%.

Hearing loss can also increase your probability of needing to be hospitalized by 50%….and the likelihood of being readmitted also increases.

It adds up each time your ears take even minor damage. Johns Hopkins discovered that just having mild hearing loss can double your probability of getting dementia. Consider the fact that significant hearing loss can be caused by scarring on the eardrum from repeated ear infections.

Having Ear Pain for Days?

Have you had ear pain for days and ignored it? Get treatment immediately. Don’t make the normal mistake of waiting too long. The majority of health insurance companies consider symptoms of an ear infection or ear pain an emergency and there’s good reason for that. It’s necessary to get your ear evaluated if you had any pain during your cold or are still experiencing trouble hearing after your cold has cleared. If you get a hearing exam you can find out if:

• there is any impact on your inner ear
• you need to deal with injury to the eardrum
• you currently have an infection

A professional examination can also make sure there are no blockages in the ear that might cause discomfort or temporary hearing loss.

Ear pain or prolonged loss of hearing are sure signs that you should consult a professional. Schedule an appointment today.