Sudden hearing loss

[backfromseoul]

Hi folks,

My son (nearly 5 years old) suddenly has severe hearing loss. He can only understand us if we shout, and says he can hear sounds that "are not really there". He describes the noises as "stamping" or rhythmical music (dum dum de dum sort of thing).

We can't be sure when it started but has been at least 48 hours. He's been crying in his sleep for the last three nights, had a very slight temperature the first night, and has a cold. He has not had any headaches or earache.

Does this just happen sometimes with a cold? I've read about otitis media/glue ear but that seems to be accompanied by earache?

Thanks for any help, really appreciate it.

Have you taken him to the gp? Sounds like an ear infection and possibly glue ear although it maybe temporary and improve. He should definately see a dr asap though.

We haven't yet. Only realised what the problem was tonight over dinner -- yesterday we thought he was ignoring us and disciplined him... whoops.

Definitely take him to the doctor - mine had glue ear for long time and very very few infections - littlest hasn't had single infection and had grommets at Christmas.
GP can also have a check that there isn't something obstructing the ear drum - could he have put something in his ear?