Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

Understanding Hearing Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring about hormonal, circulatory, and other physiological changes that may affect various organs in the body, including the ears. Women may experience temporary or permanent changes in their hearing during and after pregnancy, with varying degrees of severity and duration.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones during pregnancy can affect the fluid levels in the ear, leading to potential changes in hearing sensitivity and balance. These changes can also contribute to tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, and increased susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss.

Circulatory Changes

Pregnancy can cause changes in blood flow and circulation, impacting how the ears receive oxygen and nutrients. Lowered blood volume and slowed circulation may affect the inner ear, leading to potential hearing changes. When the ears do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, delicate cells in the inner ear may be damaged, and this can cause hearing loss.

Nutritional Changes

Pregnancy can change diet, or even lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. This can potentially contribute to hearing loss during pregnancy. Women who are not receiving adequate nutritional support may experience hearing changes, and it’s essential to monitor and address any potential nutritional concerns right away.

Stress and Fatigue

Pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally taxing experience, and stress and fatigue can contribute to changes in auditory function. These factors can lead to temporary changes in hearing sensitivity and may even contribute to the experience of tinnitus.

Symptoms and Prevention Strategies

Knowing the potential symptoms and prevention strategies for hearing changes during pregnancy can help women prioritize their hearing health and seek the right treatment when necessary. Here are some common symptoms associated with hearing changes:

Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments
Sensitivity to loud sounds
Feeling off-balance or dizzy
Increased difficulty hearing after pregnancy

Strategies to Maintain Hearing Health During Pregnancy

Here are a few ways you can monitor and maintain your hearing health during and after pregnancy:

Focus on a balanced and nutritious diet to make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need.
Use hearing protection in noisy environments and limit exposure to loud noises.
Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Stay hydrated and engage in regular physical activity to maintain circulation and blood flow.
Schedule routine hearing tests with a hearing healthcare professional to monitor hearing health and address any potential concerns right away.

Treatment Options for Hearing Changes During Pregnancy

If you experience hearing changes during pregnancy, seek professional support and treatment from a hearing healthcare professional. Here are some treatment options that may be recommended based on your specific hearing changes and symptoms:

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as nutritional support, stress management, and hearing protection can mitigate some hearing changes during pregnancy. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can support overall auditory health.

Medical Intervention

In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary, such as medication to address specific hearing issues or surgical treatment for specific hearing conditions. Consult with your doctor and a hearing healthcare professional for customized treatment options.

Hearing Aids

Depending on the type of hearing loss you have, your hearing healthcare professional may recommend hearing aids. They’ll work with you to find the perfect devices for your hearing needs.

Visit Us for a Hearing Test

Pregnancy can be an exciting and transformative experience, but it’s important to maintain your own health during this period. Be aware of potential changes in hearing sensitivity and practice prevention strategies to maintain your hearing health. You can also schedule regular hearing tests with a hearing healthcare professional to monitor hearing changes. Visit us today to get started.