After someone shouted loudly near the ear, sounds seem slightly quieter.

Generally, hearing loss following loud shouting near the ear may be caused by factors such as sensorineural tinnitus, hearing damage, or tympanic membrane perforation. Patients should seek symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Sensorineural Tinnitus

Loud shouting near the ear can stimulate inner ear cells, causing cellular damage and reduced function of these cells. This leads to abnormal electrical discharges and signal transmission from the cells to the nerve fibers, resulting in sensorineural tinnitus. Symptoms include buzzing or cricket-like sounds within the ear, typically high-pitched, though low-pitched or mid-frequency sounds may also occur. These symptoms are usually short-lived and can resolve spontaneously.

2. Hearing Damage

Extremely loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, impairing hearing function. Some patients may experience decreased hearing at low or high frequencies; severe cases may lead to complete hearing loss across all frequencies, resulting in deafness. In such cases, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment.

3. Tympanic Membrane Perforation

The intense sound waves generated by shouting can rupture the eardrum. At the moment of perforation, patients often suddenly experience sharp ear pain, immediate hearing loss, and tinnitus. If there is slight bleeding from the external auditory canal, a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear may also occur. Immediate medical evaluation is advised to prevent delays in treatment.

In addition to the three common causes above, other possible factors include otitis media, deafness, or tympanic membrane retraction. Accurate diagnosis requires thorough examination at a hospital, followed by appropriate treatment according to medical advice. Timely就医 (medical consultation) is essential to avoid worsening outcomes.