Hearing Problems in Pregnancy

Introduction:

Pregnancy is a remarkable period in every woman's life. The hormonal and physiological changes cause the growth and development of a new life. Certain health issues occur in the women and fetal life during pregnancy. One of the health issues is hearing problems during pregnancy. Hearing problems worsen during the gestation period. The auditory system plays a role in communication and hearing. Any alteration in the hearing impacts the person's daily life activities. During pregnancy, the hormonal and immune system changes support the developing fetus.

Understanding the correlation between the hearing system and pregnancy helps ensure prenatal care and the auditory health of the pregnant mother. The article discusses hearing problems during pregnancy, their potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

What Are the Common Hearing Problems in Pregnancy?

Various hearing issues arise during pregnancy due to hormonal and immune system changes. Some hearing problems in pregnancy are temporary and go after delivery of the child. Some hearing issues persist and worsen after childbirth. The common hearing problems experienced during pregnancy are as follows:

• Tinnitus: It is a common hearing condition in which pregnant women experience ringing and humming sounds in their ears, even when there is no sound from the outside environment. The reason behind tinnitus can be hormonal changes.

• Hyperacusis: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the condition. Pregnant women with the condition may feel uncomfortable even on hearing normal sounds.

• Ear Fullness: Fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to the sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears. This can cause temporary hearing loss.

• Osteosclerosis: It is a condition in which the middle ear growth is abnormal. Bones, such as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup, are too big, leading to difficulty in moving properly. This can lead to hearing difficulties.

• Worsening of Pre-Existing Hearing Loss: The hormonal and physiological changes lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: During pregnancy, the function of the eustachian tube is affected, leading to discomfort and hearing loss.

What Are the Causes of Hearing Problems in Pregnancy?

The causes of hearing problems in pregnancy are described below:

• Hormonal Changes: There is an alteration in the hormone levels, such as an elevation of estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes affect the auditory system and hearing changes.

• Increased Blood Volume and Circulation: During pregnancy, there is an increase in the blood volume and circulation, which support the developing fetus. An increase in the blood flow can affect the auditory function.

• Fluid Retention: During pregnancy, more fluid is retained in the various parts of the body, including the ears. This can cause a sensation of fullness in the ears, leading to hearing loss.

• Increased Stress Levels: The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause anxiety and stress. An increase in stress levels can affect blood circulation and hearing function.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: A reduction in the blood levels can affect the auditory system and lead to hearing loss. Low blood level is common during pregnancy.

• Infections: Respiratory infections or other conditions, such as cold and sinusitis, can lead to ear congestion and hearing problems.

• Change in Blood Pressure: During pregnancy, a change in blood pressure is common. Elevated blood pressure can lead to hearing problems.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Problems in Pregnancy?

The signs and symptoms of hearing problems in pregnancy are as follows:

• Perception of noise.

• Normal environmental sounds are loud and uncomfortable.

• The sensation of pressure or fullness in the ears.

• Difficulty in hearing and understanding speech.

• Unclear or distorted hearing.

• Pain and aching sensation in both ears.

• The sensation of dizziness or nausea.

• Difficulty in maintaining balance while walking.

• An increase in earwax production.

• Changes in hearing capacity.

• Difficulty in identifying the location of sounds.

How Are Hearing Problems in Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hearing problems in pregnancy involves a series of diagnostic tests. The healthcare provider will ask the pregnant woman about any hearing-related issues or medical conditions. They will also physically examine the ears to check for earwax accumulation or any signs of accumulation. Several audiological tests can be performed to determine the condition. Otoacoustic emission tests assess the inner ear function by measuring sound waves emitted by the inner ear.

Acoustic reflex testing measures the involuntary muscle contractions in the cochlea. Imaging tests, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are advised to check the structures of the inner ear. Blood tests are advised to check for anemia and infections.

How Are Hearing Problems in Pregnancy Treated?

The treatment approaches for hearing problems in pregnancy are as follows:

• Management of Earwax Accumulation: If the cause of the condition is earwax accumulation, the healthcare provider will safely remove the earwax to improve the condition.

• Hearing Aids: The healthcare provider will prescribe hearing aids to improve hearing loss.

• Cochlear Implants: In case of severe hearing loss, the healthcare provider will advise cochlear implants as a treatment option. This will bypass the damaged parts of the ear and improve the auditory function.

• Tinnitus Management: The condition can be managed by cognitive behavioral therapy. The white nose machines are used to manage tinnitus.

• Balance Rehabilitation: If the person has balance problems while walking, vestibular rehabilitation exercises and techniques are recommended to improve balancing issues.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, reducing exposure to loud noise, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet, can improve the health and function of the auditory system.

• Educational Counseling: Providing educational guidance and counseling on improving hearing health and communication strategies can help improve hearing problems.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Avoid Hearing Problems in Pregnancy?

The preventive measures to avoid hearing problems in pregnancy are as follows:

• Avoid exposure to loud noises. To avoid loud noise, use earplugs or earmuffs.

• Practice yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to manage stress.

• Consume a well-balanced diet.

• Stay hydrated.

• Engage in safe exercises during pregnancy.

• Avoid inserting objects in the ear.

• Maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

• Avoid exposure to harmful substances.

• Attend regular prenatal check-ups.

• Take prenatal vitamin supplements.

• Limit the use of headphones or earphones.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Practice good hygiene.

Conclusion:

Ensuring good auditory health during pregnancy is important for the well-being of the expecting mother and the developing fetus. The hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can affect the auditory system. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. People should adopt preventive measures to avoid hearing problems during pregnancy. They should consume a healthy, balanced diet, avoid exposure to harmful substances, limit the use of headphones, and practice good hygiene. To manage the condition, they should consult an ENT specialist.