Pregnancy comes with many well-known changes: morning sickness, cravings, fatigue – but did you know it can also affect your hearing?
Why Pregnancy Affects Hearing
Pregnancy triggers hormonal, circulatory, and physiological changes throughout the body. These changes can also affect your ears and auditory system.
Here are the primary reasons behind hearing changes in pregnancy:
- Hormonal fluctuations (especially oestrogen and progesterone)
- Increased blood volume and fluid retention
- Changes in blood pressure
- Nutritional shifts, including iron levels
These factors can influence how sound is processed or how your inner ear functions, sometimes causing temporary or even long-term hearing issues.
4 Common Hearing Problems During Pregnancy
1. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Up to one-third of pregnant women experience tinnitus – a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in one or both ears.
This is often due to:
- Hormonal changes
- Increased blood flow near the ears
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
While usually harmless, persistent tinnitus should be assessed by an audiologist or your doctor.
2. Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss.
Pregnancy can trigger or worsen symptoms due to hormonal shifts, particularly in women with a genetic predisposition.
If you notice progressive hearing loss or muffled sounds, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition effectively.
3. Iron-Deficiency Anaemia
Many pregnant women experience low iron levels, which can reduce oxygen supply to the inner ear.
This may result in:
- Reduced hearing sensitivity
- Dizziness or balance issues
Maintaining a healthy diet and taking prenatal supplements can help protect both your overall health and hearing.
4. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Elevated blood pressure, especially in cases of preeclampsia, can damage blood vessels in the inner ear, leading to sudden or fluctuating hearing loss.
If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy and notice hearing changes, report it immediately.
Can Anaesthesia Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes – while rare, there is documented evidence that spinal and epidural anaesthesia (commonly used during caesarean sections) can cause temporary or even permanent hearing changes.
What the Research Shows:
- Spinal anaesthesia can lead to temporary low-frequency hearing loss in some patients.
- This is linked to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which can alter pressure in the inner ear.
- Epidural anaesthesia may also pose a risk, especially if a dural puncture occurs unintentionally.
- Most cases resolve on their own, but in rare instances, permanent sensorineural hearing loss has been reported.
If you notice hearing loss or tinnitus after surgery or a spinal block, it’s worth speaking to both your audiologist and anaesthetist.
When to See a Professional
If you notice any of the following during pregnancy, it’s important to seek professional care:
- Sudden or severe hearing loss
- Persistent tinnitus
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Dizziness or balance problems
Prompt assessment by a qualified audiologist can help determine whether the issue is temporary or needs further treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your body is going through extraordinary changes, and your hearing may be affected, too.
The good news? Most changes are temporary and manageable with the right support.
If you’re concerned about your hearing during pregnancy, don’t wait to get checked. At CVH Audiology, our team is here to support with professional, compassionate audiology care.
Book a consultation at CVH Audiology by calling 011 615 3047 or emailing candice@cvhaudiology.co.za and get expert guidance you can trust.
