Hearing loss

  I am a forty year old female. Aprox. 6 weeks ago I experienced a sudden temporary hearing loss in both ears. Although I could still hear the sound was muffled as though I was wearing ear plugs. After several hours my hearing returned. About 1 week ago this happened again. My questions are could this be related to sinus problems or allergies or could it be anything more serious? Is there any way to prevent this? I found it very alarming. Thank you for any answers you can give.
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Dear Joan:
The type of hearing problem that you describe is very unlikely to be of neurological or neurosurgical cause. The most likely problem is fluid or infection in the middle ears, and potentially may be related to sinus infection or allergies. Wax/infection in the external ear is also a possible cause.
A neurological or neurosurgical consultation  would probably not be very helpful at this point. You should be examined by your primary MD first, who might consider an ENT consultation if your symptoms are recurrent.
Good luck!