<s>[INST] Can Ear Infections Affect Hearing? [/INST] Fluid buildup in the middle ear also blocks sound, which can lead to temporary hearing problems. Kids having a problem might:

not respond to soft sounds
need to turn up the TV or radio
talk louder
seem inattentive at school
In kids who have otitis media with effusion, the fluid behind the eardrum can block sound, so mild temporary hearing loss can happen, but might not be obvious.

A child whose eardrum has ruptured might have ringing or buzzing in the ear and not hear as well as usual. Source: KIDS HEALTH ORG. Link: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/otitis-media.html. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>