Muffled Hearing After Viral Throat Infection
At 17, I recently experienced a distressing health issue. Around two Thursdays ago (June 12, 2025), I came down with a viral illness that turned my throat unbearably sore, almost like I was swallowing shards of glass. Along with that, I was quite congested and suffering from a severe headache. Fast forward to the following week, either Monday (June 16, 2025) or Tuesday (June 17, 2025), I noticed a significant reduction in my hearing in the right ear — about 50%. Everything sounded extremely muted, and this condition has persisted up until now, Wednesday (June 25, 2025). I've attempted various remedies, including using cotton swabs, rinsing my ear while showering, pinching my nose and blowing air, shaking my head, yawning, burping, stretching my jaw, and even submerging my head in a pool or the ocean. Interestingly, despite the muffled sensation, I can still hear sounds when I use AirPods or during conversations. Additionally, there's a constant thumping in my head, which might be my heartbeat; I'm not certain. Any guidance or advice regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 1:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Muffled hearing after a viral throat infection, likely due to fluid in the ear or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Immediate actions focus on self-care and monitoring symptoms.
Explanation: After a viral throat infection, it’s possible for fluid to accumulate in the middle ear, which can lead to muffled hearing. The Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure in the ear, may become blocked due to congestion, making sounds seem quieter or muted. The thumping sensation you mention could be related to pressure changes or pulsatile tinnitus, which sometimes occurs after upper respiratory infections.
Since you’ve already tried some remedies with limited success, let's focus on practical steps you can take at home.
Next Steps:
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin any mucus and promote drainage. Warm beverages, like herbal tea, may also provide soothing relief for your throat.
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Steam Inhalation: Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a warm shower. This can help open up your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, potentially alleviating pressure and improving hearing.
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Gentle Nasal Irrigation: Consider using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to flush out nasal passages, which may help reduce congestion and drain fluid from your ears.
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Avoid Cotton Swabs: Resist the urge to insert cotton swabs into your ears, as this can push wax deeper and worsen the blockage.
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Over-the-Counter Decongestants: If you find it helpful, consider taking an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine. Follow package instructions for the correct dosage.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your hearing or any new symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, such as experiencing pain, fever, dizziness, or if the muffled hearing persists for more than a week, it’s important to seek further evaluation.
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Rest and Relaxation: Ensure you are getting enough rest, as your body needs time to recover from the previous infection. Stress can also exacerbate symptoms.
If you continue to have concerns about your hearing or if the symptoms do not improve, please think about discussing this further with a healthcare professional to rule out any complications. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
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