Unfortunately, without a medical examination, it's impossible to definitively say why your hearing is bad in your left ear. Many factors can contribute to hearing loss. However, here are some of the most common possibilities:
Potential Causes of Hearing Loss in One Ear:
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Earwax Blockage: This is a common and easily treatable cause. Excessive earwax can build up and block the ear canal, reducing sound transmission.
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Ear Infection (Otitis Media/Externa): Infections, either in the middle ear (otitis media) or outer ear (otitis externa, often called swimmer's ear), can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, impacting hearing.
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Fluid in the Ear: Fluid can accumulate behind the eardrum due to allergies, colds, or other respiratory infections.
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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): While typically affecting both ears, NIHL can sometimes be more pronounced in one ear, especially if you consistently expose one ear to louder noise. For example, if you always hold a phone to your left ear, or regularly listen to music through headphones with one side louder than the other.
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Meniere's Disease: This inner ear disorder can cause vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), a feeling of fullness in the ear, and fluctuating hearing loss, often affecting one ear.
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Acoustic Neuroma: This is a rare, benign tumor that grows on the auditory nerve, which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems, usually in one ear.
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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL): This is a rapid loss of hearing that occurs suddenly, usually in one ear. It's considered a medical emergency.
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Perforated Eardrum: A hole in the eardrum can be caused by infection, injury, or loud noises, leading to hearing loss.
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Foreign Object: Something lodged in the ear canal (more common in children) can obstruct sound.
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Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): Although typically affecting both ears gradually, age-related hearing loss could seem more prominent in one ear initially.
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Otosclerosis: This condition involves abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, which can impair hearing. It often starts in one ear.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
According to the NHS (as referenced in the provided information), you should urgently seek medical attention if:
- You experience sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Your hearing has been getting worse over the last few days or weeks.
You can:
- Ask for an urgent GP (General Practitioner) appointment.
- Get help from NHS 111.
Recommendation:
Because the cause of hearing loss can vary widely, it is strongly recommended to see a doctor or audiologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Self-diagnosing and treating can potentially worsen the condition. A professional can assess your hearing, determine the underlying cause, and recommend appropriate interventions.
