My mom (72) just had blood work done by an ent to look at reasons for hearing loss. all blood work, including crp, was normal except esr was 54. she had fluid in her ear a few weeks. feels healthy. could this esr a sign of something bad like cancer?

ESR is a very non-specific test. Ask ENT why these were done? Elevated ESR can be caused by many things but hearing loss is not one of them,

ESR (sedimentation rate) is an index of inflammation but does not confirm any underlying condition as it must be correlated with ongoing symptoms. Unlikely that this would be associated with hearing loss in a 72 year old, unless there is an active ear or sinus infection. Discuss this outcome with her doctor.

ESR of 54 is high. Not sure if outlier or real -repeat ESR and CRP in 2 weeks. Was the hearing loss sudden or gradual? Is it unilateral or bilateral/? Allergies? Antihistamines or decongestants help? Is there TMJ ( temporomandibular joint ) pain discomfort as that may be a cause. Would also consider MRI looking for acoustic neuroma or other pathology.

Was an audiogram, tympanometry, endoscopy, microscopic ear exam done? Any diagnosis? Ant treatment suggested?