Fluctuating hearing loss

Hearing loss that comes and goes is known as fluctuating hearing loss, also referred to as intermittent hearing loss. It can be in one or both ears, be mild or severe, and come and go with no discernible pattern.

If you’re experiencing this kind of hearing loss, it’s important to seek out medical help, as fluctuating hearing loss could lead to permanent hearing loss. Be sure to take note of any new or related symptoms, such as dizziness, ear pain, ringing in the ears, and ear stuffiness.

"Without proper intervention and diagnosis, many of these can become a permanent loss and disability," notes audiologist Dr. Greg Moore, of Moore Hearing Centers in Arizona. "Patients noticing fluctuating hearing loss should seek medical attention quickly, preferably with audiologic involvement."

What it could indicate

Quite a few medical issues can cause fluctuating hearing loss, and they range in complexity. Let's take a look:

Earwax impaction

The most simple reason is impacted earwax, which can block the ear drum and make hearing muffled. It also may cause ringing in the ears. Fortunately, this is easily diagnosed and treated at any hearing clinic, via a professional ear cleaning. 

Eustachian tube dysfunction

The eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat, and helps regulate the pressure in your inner ear. If you develop a cold, allergies or infection, the eustachian tube can become inflamed, causing stuffy ears and muffled hearing. Known as eustachian tube dysfunction, it's more common in kids but can affect adults, too.

Meniere’s disease

Less commonly, fluctuating hearing loss could indicate Meniere’s disease, an autoimmune disorder of the inner ear. It causes hearing loss that comes and goes, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. Treatment for Meniere’s requires the help of an ENT physician as well as a hearing specialist. A related condition, known as endolymphatic hydrops, can also cause intermittent hearing loss.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a poorly understood hearing condition thought to be caused by either a viral infection or an immune system response that damages the delicate inner ear cells. If you suddenly lose your hearing in one ear–even if it seems to be getting better–see a doctor ASAP. Prompt treatment reduces that chance it will become permanent. 

Temporary threshold shift 

If you work in a noisy environment or are exposed to a lot of loud noise, your hearing ability can be temporarily affected. For example, if you attend a loud concert, afterward you may notice you’re not hearing so well. This is called temporary threshold shift. The feeling may go away, but come back as soon as you’re around more loud noise. Even if your hearing goes back to normal, keep in mind that all this noise exposure will likely cause noise-induced hearing loss as you get older. 

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a rare form of hearing loss that occurs due to abnormal bone growth in your middle ear. In the early stages, the hearing loss may come and go.

Perilymph fistula

If a tiny hole forms in the inner, fluid can leak out and affect how you hear. This condition, called a perilymph fistula can be caused by genetic differences, or as a result of a head injury, which often affects hearing.

Autoimmune disorders 

Several autoimmune disorders can affect balance and hearing, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and autoimmune inner ear disorder (AIED), which leads to progressive hearing loss that may fluctuate.

This is not an exhaustive list: There are also rare genetic conditions and neurological conditions that can cause intermittent hearing loss, such as head injuries.

Medical conditions

Certain kidney and heart disorders can cause fluctuating hearing loss. It's also a possible side effect from medications, known as ototoxicity.

Get help from a medical professional

When it comes to new or unusual hearing loss, prompt medical treatment is a good idea. A primary care doctor, ENT or urgent care clinic can provide an evaluation so you can get diagnosed and treated correctly. You can also find a hearing care provider near you with our consumer-reviewed directory.