Can You Go Deaf After Giving Birth? | Green Eggs & Moms
From the archive. This post was first published on the original Green Eggs and Moms blog and is kept here as it was.
For all expecting moms, listen up. There is a hearing condition called otosclerosis which can cause hearing loss, especially in women who have given birth. Below, you will find information to help you understand what it is and how to decrease its risks.
According to an article by Shawna Cohen from Mommyish.com, a lady from Salt Lake City, US went deaf after giving birth. Heather Simonsen, who already had 2 previous births, was unaware she was already suffering from the condition. What she did notice however was that after giving birth to her first and second children, her hearing deteriorated each time. After her third baby, she could not hear anything. The good news is that Heather has regained her hearing following corrective surgery.
But What Exactly is Otosclerosis?As mentioned above, it is a condition which causes hearing loss. It occurs because of an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, which affects a group of bones from transmitting sound.
The causes for the condition are still unknown, although it is believed to be hereditary and aggravated by child birth. As for the latter, doctors are unsure why.
What are the symptoms of otosclerosis? If you cannot hear low-pitched sounds or cannot understand someone whispering. Also if you experience dizziness, balance problems and ringing or buzzing in your ears.
Now, before adding this to your growing list of pregnancy concerns, moms of Asian, South American and African American decent can relax a bit. According to ENTnet.org, the condition is more pronounced in Caucasians.
Decrease the risk of hear loss after child birth
Most women are unaware they have otosclerosis, which is why if you experience the symptoms listed above prior to pregnancy, consult an ENT (eat, nose, throat) specialist immediately. No sign is too small to ignore.
If you are free from this condition, you will experience one of the privileges of motherhood: hearing constant ear-piercing cries from your infant. And in all honesty, I don’t think you’d have it any other way even if you lose sleep over it. Besides, the 4-hour crying intervals do not last forever.
Keep your ears happy and healthy.
Sources & Additional Reading:Mommyish.com, Mother Goes Deaf After Giving Birth
About.com, Otosclerosis – What is Osteosclerosis
ENTnet.org, Fact Sheet: What You Should Know About Otosclerosis
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