Hearing sounds in one ear feels as if隔着 a membrane.

A sensation of hearing sounds as if muffled in one ear may be caused by conditions such as cerumen impaction, secretory otitis media, or sensorineural hearing loss. Symptoms can be improved through general treatments, medications, and other interventions. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Cerumen Impaction

Cerumen impaction, commonly known as earwax buildup, occurs when overproduction of cerumen by the ceruminous glands or impaired expulsion leads to excessive accumulation and blockage of the external auditory canal. This condition often causes a feeling of ear fullness and hearing loss. Under medical guidance, impacted cerumen can be removed using an ear pick; however, blind or improper use of such tools should be avoided to prevent injury to the external auditory canal or eardrum.

2. Secretory Otitis Media

Secretory otitis media is typically caused by localized middle ear infection or barotrauma due to prolonged exposure to noisy environments. Clinical symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of ear fullness. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefradine for injection or erythromycin ointment for treatment.

3. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is usually caused by damage to the auditory central pathways due to genetic factors, trauma, medication side effects, or environmental factors, resulting in impaired sound perception and neural signal transmission. Clinical manifestations include hearing loss, tinnitus, and auditory hallucinations. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as mecobalamin tablets or ginkgo biloba leaf tablets.

In addition to the above causes, other possible reasons include external otitis, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss. For accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, patients are advised to undergo a thorough medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause.