“Can hearing damage be restored after an ear infection?”

It dePends on whether the hearing loss is due to damage to the eardrum, The middle ear bones, or the inner ear. Most often, hearing loss following an upper respiratory infection is due to fluid in the middle ear, and it resolves on its own within a few weeks. Consult an ENT doctor.

Depends on "damage". Middle dysfunction is usually reversible when the infection is treated promptly, if not there is more likely that there will be chronic changes to the Eustachian tube, position of the eardrum, and possibly ossicular damage. Best to consider PE tubes if recurring infections or intractable ET dysfunction.