How untreated ear infections can affect your long-term hearing health
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on May 6th, 2025.
Ear infections, known as otitis media, are a common health condition that most of us have experienced at one point in our lives. Infections happen when fluid gets stuck behind the eardrum, allowing the growth of viruses or bacteria.
While most ear infections can be quickly cured with antibiotics, other treatments, or even on their own, what happens if an ear infection goes untreated? What are the long-term effects on your hearing health?
Understanding ear infections and their impact
Ear infections can happen to anyone when fluid gets trapped behind the eardrum. However, they are most common in children due to the anatomical structure of a child’s ear and the smaller size of their ears. Children are also more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, which can cause fluid build-up and trigger an ear infection.
Sometimes an ear infection will resolve without treatment, but it is always best to be cautious, especially in young children who cannot communicate their symptoms. Untreated or inadequately treated infections can lead to serious complications and long-term loss of hearing.
The dangers of untreated ear infections
An untreated ear infection can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, as well as damage to the structure of the ears. It can also lead to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance issues.
But beyond just damaging the ears, a chronic infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Specific risks and complications
Here are some of the more specific risks and complications from untreated ear infections:
Chronic infections and hearing damage
Prolonged, untreated ear infections can cause permanent damage to the structures of the ear responsible for hearing. The persistent inflammation and fluid buildup of an ear infection can gradually weaken hearing functions, which eventually leads to permanent damage to your hearing health.
Eardrum perforation
The inflammation and fluid from an untreated infection put pressure behind the eardrum, which can cause a rupture or perforation. Symptoms of eardrum perforation include sudden pain, drainage of fluid, hearing loss, and an increased risk of further infections. While small perforations might heal on their own, larger ones may require surgical intervention.
Cholesteatoma formation
Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear caused by a build-up of dead cells from chronic infections or eardrum perforations. If left untreated, cholesteatomas can grow and damage bones in the middle ear, causing significant hearing loss, balance problems, and even serious infections affecting the brain.
Protecting your hearing health
Early detection of ear infections and the right treatment are the best ways to protect your long-term hearing health. Since young children are most susceptible, but may not be able to communicate what they are feeling, it is best to seek medical attention if your child has a fever, is abnormally fussy, or is pulling or tugging on their ear.
What happens if you leave an ear infection untreated?
As we have discussed, untreated ear infections can lead to permanent damage to the auditory system, but also balance issues, ringing in the ears, and even infections in the brain and other parts of the body.
If you believe you or your child has an ear infection, we are here to help. Just find the center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online to help get started.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about untreated ear infections.
Can a single untreated ear infection cause permanent hearing loss?
While uncommon, a single untreated ear infection can cause hearing loss, especially if complications such as eardrum rupture or cholesteatoma develop.
How quickly can an ear infection lead to hearing damage if left untreated?
Hearing damage can happen within weeks to months if an ear infection is left untreated, particularly if the infection is severe.
Are children more susceptible to hearing loss from untreated ear infections?
Yes, children are at greater risk of hearing loss from untreated ear infections because their auditory systems are still developing. Additionally, frequent ear infections can impact their long-term hearing and speech development.
What are the first signs of hearing loss due to an untreated ear infection?
Some of the early signs of hearing loss due to an ear infection include difficulty hearing soft sounds, asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume of electronic devices and muffled or unclear hearing.
Can untreated ear infections cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
Yes, untreated ear infections can cause tinnitus, buzzing sounds, or ringing in the ear due to structural damage.
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