Hushed: Why Can’t I Hear As Well During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy: the magical journey of swollen ankles, bizarre cravings, and the occasional surprise of… hearing loss? Yes, you read that right. As if the miracle of life wasn’t astonishing enough, researchers have unearthed a peculiar connection between pregnancy and changes in hearing.

Imagine this: you’re expecting, glowing with maternal radiance, when suddenly you realize you can’t quite hear your partner’s whispered sweet nothings. Is it the baby brain playing tricks? Not necessarily.

The phenomenon of pregnancy-related hearing changes has been a topic of intrigue among scientists for years. While it’s not exactly as common as morning sickness, studies have shown that a significant number of women experience alterations in their hearing during pregnancy. So, what gives?

Blame it on the hormones, those mischievous chemicals that wreak havoc and magic throughout a woman’s body during gestation. Estrogen and progesterone, the dynamic duo responsible for all sorts of pregnancy shenanigans, can also affect the fluid levels and blood flow in the inner ear. This delicate balance can sometimes lead to changes in how sound waves are processed.

For most, this isn’t a reason to panic and start learning sign language. Typically, pregnancy-related hearing changes are mild and transient, resolving shortly after the baby arrives. However, for some women, there’s a rare condition called otosclerosis where the normally small, malleable ear bones begin to grow and harden, obstructing sound waves. Blame it on the calcium metabolism party that pregnancy throws in your body. The extra calcium can kickstart the growth of these bony structures, leading to potential permanent hearing loss.

Now, before you build a panic room out of pregnancy pillows, let’s get real. The risk of permanent hearing loss due to pregnancy is low, but if you find yourself cranking up the TV volume or constantly saying “huh?”, it might be time to call your friendly neighborhood audiologist.

Also, there are ways to tackle this eardrum dilemma. Firstly, keep those prenatal check-ups sacred. Your healthcare provider isn’t just there to count how many jellybeans the baby resembles in size—they can also keep an ear out for any auditory oddities. Secondly, if you suspect your hearing isn’t what it used to be, consider getting a hearing test. Catching any issues early can make all the difference. So, the next time you’re sitting in the obstetrician’s waiting room, marveling at the wonder of ultrasound images and contemplating baby names, remember this: pregnancy is a symphony of surprises, and sometimes, it includes a few unexpected notes in your ears. Welsch Hearing Aid Company can help you understand that hearing loss with our complete hearing evaluations that determine if you have a hearing loss, why you have a hearing loss, how bad your hearing loss is in each ear and what the best treatment options are for you. Call Welsch today at 920-452-0213 to schedule your evaluation.