Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Pregnancy is a period of significant change. It can alter your body in many ways, and it can even impact your hearing health.
While hearing loss during pregnancy is relatively uncommon, some women may experience changes in their hearing health due to hormonal fluctuations, increased blood volume, and other physiological alterations associated with pregnancy.
Hearing Loss During Pregnancy
Hearing loss during pregnancy can manifest in various forms, ranging from slight decreases in hearing ability to more pronounced loss. It is important to distinguish between temporary hearing changes and more serious conditions that can pose long-term issues. Here are some of the common causes of hearing alterations during pregnancy:
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the ears. However, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause the lining of the tubes to swell, leading to a feeling of fullness, discomfort, and muffled hearing. This condition is generally temporary and resolves after pregnancy.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis involves abnormal bone growth in the ear, which can cause hearing loss. Pregnancy might exacerbate this condition due to hormonal influences. Women with a family history of otosclerosis should consult with their medical team for proper evaluation and management.
Increased Blood Volume
During pregnancy, the blood volume increases by up to 50%, which can sometimes lead to pulsatile tinnitus or vascular anomalies in the auditory system. This might cause a ringing sensation or a feeling of heartbeat in the ears. It often resolves postpartum.
Immune System Changes
The immune system modifies its responses during pregnancy, potentially affecting the ear and leading to issues such as sudden hearing loss. If such symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary as timely treatment can often reverse this condition.
Signs to Watch For
It’s important to watch for signs of hearing loss during pregnancy, as early detection can lead to better management. Key symptoms include:
- Muffled hearing
- Difficulty understanding conversations, especially where there is background noise
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
- Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Sudden hearing loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to seek professional guidance from your doctor and a hearing health professional.
Managing Hearing Loss During Pregnancy
Here are a few ways you can manage your hearing health during pregnancy:
Regular Monitoring
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial. Discuss any changes in your hearing with your doctor during these visits. If there are significant concerns, your doctor may recommend further evaluation by a specialist.
Minimize Exposure to Loud Noises
Protect your ears from loud noises to prevent any exacerbation of hearing loss. Use earplugs or earmuffs if you find yourself in a loud environment, and maintain the volume at safe levels when using headphones.
Use Hearing Aids if Necessary
If hearing loss during pregnancy affects your day-to-day activities, hearing aids or other assistive listening devices can be a useful temporary measure. Modern hearing aids are discreet and can be adjusted to accommodate the changes in hearing levels that might occur during pregnancy.
Maintain Good Ear Hygiene
Keep your ears dry and clean to prevent infections that could complicate or mimic symptoms of hearing loss. Be mindful of using cotton swabs and do not insert any objects into the ear canal.
Nutritional Support
A well-balanced diet is essential for overall health and can support ear health as well. Make sure you’re getting the nutrients important for auditory health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins D and B12.
When to Seek Help
Consult with healthcare professionals if you notice significant changes in your hearing during pregnancy. Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant immediate medical attention to rule out serious conditions and devise an appropriate treatment strategy.
Visit Us for Hearing Health Support
While hearing loss during pregnancy remains relatively rare, being aware of the potential changes can help mitigate any impact on your quality of life. Most conditions associated with pregnancy-related hearing changes are temporary and resolve postpartum.
We recommend regular hearing screenings for all adults to monitor hearing health. If you’re pregnant, visit us for a hearing test and find out more about your hearing health. Professional guidance and support is just a consultation away.