Which symptom is described as muffled sounds, tinnitus, and deafness?

• A. Discharge
• B. Earache
• C. Vision Changes
• D. Hearing Changes

Answer: (D)

Recognizing signs of a problem with the ear’s ability to hear is the key here. Muffled sounds happen when the ear has trouble transmitting sound clearly. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or buzzing without an external source, and deafness is a reduced ability to hear. When these together appear, they point to a change in hearing function.

Discharge means ear drainage, often from infection or perforation. Earache is ear pain from infection or inflammation. Vision changes involve the eyes, not the ears. So muffled sounds with tinnitus and deafness best fits a change in hearing.