Ears feel as if blocked by a layer of membrane, with muffled hearing and decreased auditory perception.

Apr 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

In general, a sensation of muffled hearing or feeling like there's a layer of membrane in the ear may be caused by noise exposure, cerumen impaction, colds, otitis media, or tympanitis, and treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. Prolonged or intense noise exposure can damage the auditory nerves or impair cochlear function, leading to hearing impairment or hearing loss. It is recommended to avoid noisy environments.

Under normal circumstances, a sensation of having a layer of membrane in the ear accompanied by muffled hearing or hearing loss may be caused by noise exposure, cerumen impaction, common cold, otitis media, or tympanitis. Treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Noise Exposure

Prolonged or intense exposure to noise may damage the auditory nerves or impair cochlear function, leading to hearing impairment or hearing loss. It is recommended to avoid noisy environments.

2. Cerumen Impaction

If ears are not cleaned regularly, excessive accumulation of earwax (cerumen) may lead to the aforementioned symptoms, often accompanied by reduced hearing and pain. In such cases, individuals should visit a hospital to have the cerumen safely removed under medical supervision.

3. Common Cold

Colds triggered by unstable temperatures may cause congestion and swelling of the eustachian tube mucosa, resulting in hearing loss and the feeling of blocked ears. Treatment may include medications such as compound paracetamol and amantadine hydrochloride tablets, paracetamol caffeine pseudoephedrine tablets, or chlorpheniramine maleate and caffeine capsules, taken as directed by a physician.

4. Otitis Media

Bacterial infection causing inflammation inside the ear may result in increased secretions, leading to the sensation of blockage and hearing decline. Under medical guidance, treatment may involve antibiotics such as erythromycin capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or amoxicillin tablets.

5. Tympanitis

Tympanitis refers to inflammation of the external auditory canal or middle ear, which may cause the sensation of a membrane in the ear and hearing loss. Common symptoms include ear pain, pus discharge, or abnormal cerumen production. Patients may take azithromycin capsules, cefixime capsules, or roxithromycin capsules as prescribed by a doctor.

Maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate nutrition in daily life. Engage in regular physical exercise to improve overall physical health and boost immunity.

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