Cold and Loss of Hearing Services in London

Has your latest cold left you wondering if you may be experiencing some cold and loss of hearing? You are certainly not alone. Many people notice changes in their hearing after battling a nasty cold or flu, leading them to search for cold and loss of hearing services in London. 

Cold and loss of hearing affect many people living in London and the surrounding areas each year. As the top provider of ear, nose, and throat care in London, Medstar Clinic is here to help determine if your cold may be causing temporary or permanent hearing loss.

When cold or flu symptoms are accompanied by a loss of hearing, it is important to see an ENT specialist right away. Medstar Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic provides excellent ENT appointment services in London for addressing hearing issues related to colds and the flu.

In this article, we will look at the connection between colds and hearing issues, explore different types of hearing loss, and provide tips on beating that bug fast. By the end, you will have a better idea of how a cold can impact your ears and know when it is time to book an appointment with one of our specialists.

Hearing Loss After Ear Infection

One of the most common causes of hearing loss associated with colds is an ear infection. When you have a cold, viruses or bacteria can travel down the Eustachian tube from your nose and throat into your middle ear, causing an infection. 

This is known as acute otitis media, or AOM. Ear infections are very common in children, as their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more prone to blockage, but adults can develop them too after a bad cold.

If left untreated, an ear infection can cause temporary hearing loss by building up fluid and pressure in the middle ear space. This makes it hard for sound vibrations to travel through the ear canal and middle ear to the inner ear. 

In some cases, especially if the infection is severe or recurrent, it can lead to permanent sensorineural hearing loss by damaging tiny sensory hair cells in the inner ear. 

At Medstar Clinic, our specialists can examine your ears, diagnose infections using specialised tools like a microscope or endoscope, and prescribe appropriate treatment like antibiotics or ear tubes. We also offer follow-up care and hearing tests to monitor recovery.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. As mentioned earlier, conductive hearing loss involves problems transmitting sound from the outer to the inner ear, as seen with ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction from colds. 

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components. Make sure to check out “How to Tell If Hearing Loss is Permanent or Temporary?” to learn more about the details.

At Medstar Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic in London, our audiologists are experts in determining the type, degree, and likely cause of any hearing loss through comprehensive hearing evaluations. An audiogram can measure the softest sounds a person can hear at different pitches or frequencies. 

Other tests analyse the function of the outer, middle, and inner ear structures. Based on the test results, our audiologists can recommend the best treatment options, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or referrals to ENT for further examination. We also offer hearing therapy and programs to help patients adapt to hearing challenges.

Hearing Loss in One Ear

Another type of temporary hearing loss related to colds is hearing loss in one ear. When cold, allergy, or sinus symptoms cause the Eustachian tube on one side to become blocked for an extended period, fluid can build up behind the eardrum. This excess fluid or negative pressure in the middle ear space can muffle hearing in the affected ear until the tube opens back up.

A cold-induced case of one-sided hearing loss is usually temporary as the Eustachian tube typically returns to normal function once the cold or allergy symptoms clear up. However, if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it's a good idea to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT). 

They can examine the ear canal and eardrum using a microscope to check for infection or structural issues in the ear. If needed, ENT doctors can perform a myringotomy, which is a minor surgical procedure to insert a small tube in the eardrum to equalise pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear.

At Medstar Clinic, we have ENT physicians and audiologists who work together to evaluate cases of one-sided hearing loss. Our doctors can determine if the hearing loss is temporary or permanent and recommend the best treatment options. 

For temporary cases, no treatment may be needed besides waiting for symptoms to resolve. But permanent hearing loss in one ear due to structural problems or repeated infections may require surgery or use of a hearing aid.

Can a Cold Cause Hearing Loss?

The short answer is yes, a cold can potentially cause hearing loss, whether temporary or permanent. However, the risk depends on individual factors and how well the cold and any related infections are managed. According to medical research:

• Colds are a common precursor to ear infections in children, which may lead to conductive hearing loss if fluid builds up in the middle ear. Prompt treatment can resolve this.

• Viruses from a cold can sometimes spread directly from the nasal cavity into the inner ear through the Eustachian tube or rare defects, risking sensorineural damage.

• People with eustachian tube dysfunction or prior ear surgery/tubes are more vulnerable to infections that could affect hearing after a cold.

• Severe or recurrent middle ear infections, especially in childhood, heighten the risk of permanent conductive or sensorineural impairment.

So while many experience only short-term hearing changes, colds remain a contributing factor in a percentage of hearing impairments depending on individual health history. Our physicians can evaluate your risk level and monitor for issues.

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast?

The best way to prevent cold-related hearing problems is to treat illness symptoms aggressively. Here are some tips our doctors recommend to help you recover from a cold more quickly:

• Get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to fight off the viruses.

• Drink extra water and fluids to stay hydrated. Being dehydrated can prolong illness.

• Gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat and reduce post-nasal drip.

• Use over-the-counter medications like decongestants, antihistamines, or pain relievers to dry nasal passages and reduce aches/fever.

• Inhale steam from a hot shower to help loosen congestion.

• Gently blow your nose often instead of sniffing to prevent ear pressure buildup.

• See your doctor if symptoms last over 7-10 days or worsen, as antibiotics may be needed to treat any underlying ear or sinus infections.

• Consider making an appointment online with an ENT specialist like those at Medstar Clinic for evaluation if you develop hearing changes, ongoing dizziness, or other unusual signs while sick. Early treatment is best.

If you have experienced hearing issues after a cold or have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact Medstar Clinic. We offer a range of specialised services to diagnose and address hearing loss in London, from comprehensive testing to medical and surgical treatments. Our goal is to protect your hearing health and ensure you can continue hearing well into the future.

What is an ENT Appointment?

An ENT appointment stands for a visit with an ear, nose, and throat doctor, also known as an ENT specialist. During an initial ENT appointment, the doctor will perform a thorough examination of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. 

They will use specialised tools like an otoscope to examine inside the ear canal and eardrum. The doctor may also use a small mirror to examine the nose and throat. Some things an ENT specialist might check during the first appointment include:

• Looking inside the ears for any signs of infection, swelling, or other issues

• Checking the eardrum to ensure it is intact and moving properly

• Examining the nose for signs of allergies, sinus issues, or structural abnormalities

• Inspecting the throat for any abnormalities, infections, or swelling

• Feeling the neck and head area for any swollen lymph nodes or masses

• Asking about your medical history and symptoms you have been experiencing

The goal of the initial ENT appointment is to determine the cause of any hearing loss, ear pain, or other ear, nose, or throat issues. Based on the examination findings and discussion of symptoms, the ENT doctor can usually make an initial diagnosis or order additional tests like hearing tests or scans. They will then discuss the best treatment plan, which may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.

Emergency ENT Appointment for Hearing Loss

If you experience sudden hearing loss or other concerning ENT symptoms, it is important to see an ENT specialist right away. Medstar Clinic offers emergency ENT appointments on the same day or next day for urgent issues. Some signs that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Sudden, complete hearing loss in one or both ears

• Dizziness accompanied by hearing loss or ringing in the ears

• Ear pain that continues or worsens over several hours

• Discharge of blood from the ear

• Swelling or redness around the ear

Hearing loss related to a cold or flu can sometimes be temporary, but it is always best to have it evaluated promptly. An infection or other underlying cause may require treatment to prevent permanent damage. By seeing an ENT specialist right away, they can examine you and determine if the hearing loss is caused by an infection, blockage, or other issue that needs medical intervention.

How to Book an ENT Appointment?

Booking an appointment with an ENT specialist at Medstar Clinic is simple and convenient. You can book an appointment online through our website or the Medstar app, which is available both on the Google Play Store and App Store. We offer a variety of appointment times on weekdays as well as some Saturday openings.

When booking, you will need to provide some basic information like your name, date of birth, contact details, and what the appointment is for. For example, if you have been experiencing hearing loss and ear pain from a cold, mention those as your symptoms. This helps the office prepare and allows the doctor to review your information ahead of time.

You can book an ENT appointment with us as a new or existing patient. Our goal is to see patients promptly based on the urgency of their condition. Call us right away if you need an emergency ENT appointment for issues like sudden hearing loss. We will work to get you in the same day.

Private ENT Appointment Near Me

In addition to general ENT services, Medstar Clinic offers private ENT appointments for those who prefer increased privacy or direct access to a specialist. Our specialist physicians have years of experience diagnosing and treating all types of ear, nose, and throat conditions. Some benefits of a private ENT appointment include:

• Direct booking with an experienced specialist rather than a general doctor

• Shorter wait times and more appointment availability

• Increased privacy and discretion during exams and discussions

• Fewer distractions in our private consultation rooms

• Convenient locations in central London and surrounding areas

Make sure to contact Medstar today to find out if a specialist is taking new patients and to schedule your private ENT appointment near me. Getting the right diagnosis from an expert is important for proper treatment of ear, nose, and throat issues.

Same Day ENT Appointment with Medstar ENT Clinic

If you need prompt medical attention for an urgent ear, nose, or throat issue and search for “Best Private Health Clinic for ENT in London Near Me”, Medstar Clinic offers same day ENT appointments. Some reasons you may need to be seen quickly include:

• Sudden or severe ear pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications

• Ear drainage accompanied by fever or hearing loss

• Nasal congestion or discharge not improving after several days

• Sore throat accompanied by difficulty swallowing or a high fever

• Swollen glands or lumps in the neck

• Dizziness, balance issues, or ringing in the ears

We keep some appointments open each day to accommodate walk-in patients or those who call on short notice. Call us as early in the day as possible if you need a same day ENT appointment so we can get you scheduled promptly.

Medstar Clinic offers comprehensive ENT services in London for all types of ear, nose, and throat issues. Whether you need a general appointment, private consultation, emergency, or same-day visit, we are here to help. 

Our doctors are ready to examine any urgent issues the same day. If needed, they can prescribe medications, perform minor procedures, or order tests. Getting treated quickly for ENT problems prevents them from worsening or leading to complications.

We can provide the treatment you need for a cold and loss of hearing or any other ENT conditions. Do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss your symptoms and book an appointment with an ENT specialist. Our goal is getting you prompt access to expert medical care. Call Medstar Clinic if you need prompt ENT care!

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