Of course, pregnancy is amazing and wonderful. But when it comes to how it can make you feel, it can be fairly unpleasant, at least in some cases. There are all sorts of peculiar side effects, like morning sickness, health hazards, and changes to your body. None of this detracts from the delight of being a parent… but it’s a whole process to get there.
And now we can add hearing loss to that list of disadvantages.
Pregnancy isn’t normally the first thing you think of when someone is talking about hearing loss. So it might be a surprise to learn that pregnancy-related hearing loss is somewhat prevalent. This means that these symptoms are worth watching out for. In some cases, the cause of pregnancy-related hearing loss is harmless and banal. In other cases, the cause is a serious concern and may require immediate medical attention. Is hearing loss during pregnancy permanent? Well, the answer sort of depends on the underlying cause, and how fast you treat it.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy-related hearing loss?
Hearing loss during pregnancy doesn’t make an appearance on many sitcoms or in many romantic comedies. Things like morning sickness are a lot more cinematic. This means that, generally speaking, people might be less likely to expect pregnancy-related hearing loss. So knowing what to watch out for can be helpful.
After all, the symptoms of pregnancy-related hearing loss are about more than turning up the volume on your television. Here are some of the most common:
- Headaches and migraines: Regular headaches and migraines can also be more frequent.
- A plugged feeling in your ears: Pregnancy-induced hearing loss could in some cases be accompanied by a feeling of being plugged or fullness in your ears.
- Tinnitus: Pregnancy-related hearing loss is frequently linked to tinnitus, or a ringing or buzzing in the ears. In some circumstances, this tinnitus might even sound like or take on the rhythm of your own heartbeat (this is called pulsatile tinnitus). Whether this tinnitus exists on its own or with hearing loss, it’s worth consulting your care team about what you’re feeling.
- Dizziness and imbalance: The inner ear can be impacted by pregnancy-related hearing loss, or in some cases a pre-existing issue with the inner ear can be the cause of that hearing loss. Whenever your inner ear isn’t working correctly, you may have problems with balance and dizziness accompanying your hearing loss. And that also goes for pregnancy-induced hearing loss.
- Everything seems quieter: Sure, this is probably the most evident indication of hearing loss. But a condition called “sudden sensorineural hearing loss” occurs suddenly and can be more noticeable. Any type of sudden hearing loss during pregnancy should be reported to your healthcare team as soon as possible. In order to prevent sudden hearing loss from becoming permanent, you might require emergency treatment.
These aren’t universal symptoms. You will probably experience some symptoms and not others depending on the root cause of your pregnancy-induced hearing loss. Either way, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if experience any of these hearing loss symptoms. Because these symptoms could be an indication of a more serious problem.
The causes of pregnancy-related hearing loss
Does being pregnant impact hearing? Well, perhaps, sometimes. But being pregnant might also affect other parts of your body that will then go on to impact your hearing.
So how can pregnancy-related hearing loss possibly be caused? Here are some of the most common causes:
- High blood pressure: Hearing loss and tinnitus can be the outcome of high blood pressure which can be caused by pregnancy. And this is, to some extent, why it’s very important to tell your provider about your hearing loss. High blood pressure can be a symptom of preeclampsia and other serious ailments. Throughout pregnancy, these issues should be monitored.
- Changes in your circulatory system (and hormones): When you become pregnant, your body is doing an extreme amount of work. Your hormones and circulatory system are experiencing lots of changes, as a result.
- An iron deficiency: An iron deficiency while you’re pregnant can have a wide variety of repercussions for your health and your child’s health. Hearing loss can sometimes be one of those effects for the pregnant person.
- Bone growth: The ability for sound to pass through your ears can be obstructed by a condition called otosclerosis which causes the tiny bones in your ear to grow too fast. In pregnant individuals, this quicker bone growth may be caused by changes in your hormones or other changes in your body. It should be noted that research into otosclerosis during pregnancy, and exactly how much it impacts hearing, is continuing.
- Some of the typical things: Whether you’re pregnant or not, common things like blockages, sinus infections, and ear infections can trigger hearing loss.
In some instances, the cause of your hearing loss simply won’t be all that well understood. Routinely talking to your physician and keeping track of your symptoms is the key here.
How is this form of hearing loss treated?
The root cause of this kind of hearing loss will generally dictate the course of treatment. The question that most people have is: will my hearing loss clear up? In most situations, yes, your hearing will return to normal once your pregnancy is over, or maybe even before.
But it’s also essential to get treatment for any symptoms you notice because getting your hearing back isn’t always certain. For instance, if bone growth is blocking your ear canal, you might require additional treatment. The results will also depend on how quickly you get treatment when it comes to abrupt sensorineural hearing loss.
For this reason, reporting any symptoms to your physician is so important. You may then undergo a complete hearing screening or evaluation to help get to the bottom of your symptoms (or at least rule out any of the more dangerous possible impacts).
Protect your hearing
Safeguarding your hearing is something you should pay attention to particularly when you’re pregnant. One of the best ways to do that is to remain in touch with us and with your care team. Give us a call today to set up a hearing evaluation.
