Hearing Problems in Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

When discussing pregnancy-related problems, we generally talk about nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diabetes. But one vital aspect many of us do not know about is hearing problems in pregnancy. Some newly expecting mothers complain about slight hearing loss or a whistling sound in the ears. Often this problem cures after childbirth. But for some, this problem can continue for life.

Types of Hearing Problems During Pregnancy

There are several hearing problems a pregnant woman can suffer from. While some of these issues resolve on their own, for some you should immediately seek a doctor’s help. The primary hearing problems during pregnancy are

1. Otosclerosis

One of the most common hearing problems during pregnancy is otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is a condition in which those three tiny bones in our middle ear named the hammer, anvil, and stirrup started growing abnormally.

The job of these bones is to vibrate when sound enters our ears and stimulate the tiny hairs available in the cochlea. This, in turn, transfers the sound waves to our auditory nerves and ultimately to our brain.

But in the case of otosclerosis, these bones get so big that they cannot vibrate properly to transfer sound waves. This results in hearing loss.

But otosclerosis doesn’t happen due to pregnancy, meaning that it is not a pregnancy-related issue. It can occur anytime between 15 and 45 years in women. The rapid hormonal changes during pregnancy can surely worsen the scenario.

2. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the most common hearing problem in pregnant women. Based on British Tinnitus Association, It is found that it happens to almost 1 in 3 women when they are pregnant but occurs only to 1 in 10 women when they are not pregnant. And if you already have tinnitus, the chances of aggravation get high, especially in the second and third trimester. If you have tinnitus first during pregnancy, the possibility of its reduction and complete elimination after pregnancy is quite high.

3. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Sudden Deafness)

As its name suggests, in sudden deafness there is a sudden loss of hearing without any particular reason. Recent studies show that SSNHL is related to the changes in the haematological system and cardiovascular system during pregnancy.

Other prominent hearing problems that can occur during pregnancy are

Otalgia
Reduction in hearing
Secretion from the ear
Pressure differences in the ear

Causes of Different Hearing Problems in Pregnancy

Now you may wonder why pregnancy is the time for all these ear problems and how pregnancy and hearing problems are correlated? During pregnancy, our bodily fluids, blood volume, and hormone levels increase. All of these have some adverse effects on our hearing system. Here are some particular causes for evoking some particular rearing problems

1. Cause of SSNHL

The cardiovascular and haematological changes during pregnancy cause disorders in the circulation of cochlear fluid in our inner ear. The increase or decrease of cochlear fluid or problem in cochlear circulation can cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss. And bases on a study, this syndrome is now getting quite common in pregnant women it is named “pregnancy-induced sudden sensorineural hearing loss”.

2. Cause of Tinnitus

The main factors behind tinnitus are high blood pressure, anaemia or iron deficiency, migraines or headaches, sinus, stress and less sleep, etc. Out of these the main reason that causes tinnitus during pregnancy is increased blood pressure.

Our inner ear is covered with several blood vessels. The increased pressure of blood transmitted fluid directly inside the cochlea. This increased pressure in the cochlea this can cause disharmony in creating a hearing sensation.

Besides the tendency of salt and water retention during pregnancy causes localised swelling. If this swelling occurs in the tissue around the cochlea, it can cause tinnitus.

The changes in the level of estrogen and progesterone can alter cell activity in our inner ear and cause tinnitus.

[Read : Tips To Deal High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy]

3. Cause of Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is caused when the bone of the middle ear named stapes stuck in one place. This can happen for various reasons like a previous measles infection, immunity disorders, or having stress fractures in the bony tissues around the inner ear.

Symptoms of Different Hearing Problems in Pregnancy

There are some specific symptoms you need to be careful of. We list symptoms according to each hearing problem.

1. Symptoms of Otosclerosis

Hearing loss that gets severe over time
Speaking softly as the voice seemed loud
Buzzing or humming in the ear

2. Symptoms of Tinnitus

Some women can feel the tinnitus as a match with their heartbeat or pulse. This is called pulsatile tinnitus.
Loud whooshing sound
Muffled hearing

3. Symptoms of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss in one ear
Experiencing hearing loss after waking up in the morning
Muffled conversation sounds
Difficulty in understanding group conversations
Balance problem
Dizziness

4. Other Common Symptoms of Hearing Problems

Secretion from the ear
Vertigo
Ear fullness
Pain in the ear
Tendency to lose balance and fall

If any of these symptoms occur during your pregnancy, you should immediately seek your doctor’s advice.

[Read : Ear Infection During First Trimester Pregnancy]

Treatment Options For Hearing Problems During Pregnancy

In the case of otosclerosis your doctor can give you hearing aids for better hearing and to avoid any surgery during pregnancy. But in severe cases, your doctor can suggest a surgical procedure named stapedectomy. Fluoride tablets also help in slowing down the process of otosclerosis.

Tinnitus in most cases is harmless and gets resolved if its root cause can be identified. But it can be a cause for alarm if the underlying cause is serious. You should take a doctor’s appointment if you identify symptoms of tinnitus.

To confirm sudden sensorineural hearing loss, your doctor can take an audiometry test. In this process, different sound waves at different volumes are sent to each ear to determine the level of hearing loss. Steroids are given to reduce swelling or inflammation. Sometimes your doctor can insert a cochlear surgically into your ear. This helps in amplifying sounds more naturally if not restoring hearing completely.

Besides these medical procedures, you can follow some precautions at home:

Take enough rest and sleep with the head placed between pillows.
Drink enough water if you are suffering from vomiting and nausea.
Avoid exposure to loud noises.
Avoid drinking, smoking, coffee, MSG containing food, etc.
Don’t take much stress

Hearing problems in pregnancy are quite common. If hearing loss happens due to hormonal imbalance, it resolves as soon as you give birth. Certain types of hearing losses may have more serious underlying causes. Always take a doctor’s advice and get necessary check-ups if you suspect hearing loss or related symptoms.

[Read : Ajinomoto (MSG) During Pregnancy]

FAQ’s

1. Is it Normal to Have Blocked Ears During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is quite normal. The Eustachian tube that connects the nose with the ear can easily get blocked if there is swelling in the nasal lining which is very common during pregnancy.

2. How Can You Prevent Hearing Loss During Pregnancy?

You can prevent a possible hearing problem before pregnancy by having a thorough preconception checkup. This will help figure out whether your ears are healthy or not or if there is an infection or not.

3. How Can You Prevent Hearing Loss in a Fetus?

To protect your unborn baby’s ears you will have to stay away from loud music. A sudden loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss in the baby.

4. How Can You Improve Your Hearing?

You can improve your hearing by avoiding loud music, such as concerts or home theatre. Also, avoid clearing your ears with sharp objects.

Hearing Problems in Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments