Can multiple sclerosis cause hearing problems? – Medical News Today

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It can result in a wide range of symptoms throughout the body. In some cases, MS may cause hearing problems or other issues relating to the function of the ears.

MS is a chronic condition affecting the CNS. Evidence suggests that it is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In the case of MS, the immune system attacks the protective linings of the nerves, called myelin. The results can disrupt how the brain sends signals to the body.

The course of MS is unpredictable and can cause a variety of symptoms in different people. It may cause hearing problems and other symptoms that have to do with the function of the inner ear, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, balance problems, and a muffled or full feeling in the ear.

In this article, we will discuss hearing complications associated with MS, treatment options, and when a person should see a doctor.

MS is not completely predictable. The course of the disease can vary greatly from one person to the next and can lead to a wide range of symptoms in different people. MS affecting different areas of the CNS may result in the specific symptoms in each case.

Hearing problems are an uncommon but possible complication of MS, occurring in roughly 6% of people with MS. They may result from damage to the hearing nerve pathways present in the brain and brainstem.

Hearing difficulties may occur as part of an exacerbation of the condition. This refers to when old symptoms get worse or new ones develop. Hearing problems can be a short-term symptom in some cases, but some people may experience longer lasting changes to their hearing.

While it is possible for MS to cause hearing problems, there are other more common causes such as aging, exposure to loud noises, excessive earwax, damage to the eardrum, and ear infections.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing loss that can occur after damage to the nerve pathways of the inner ear. While hearing loss is not a common symptom of MS, evidence notes that SNHL in the MS population far exceeds that in the general population.

It can make softer sounds hard to hear and may cause louder sounds to be unclear or sound muffled. This may make it difficult for a person to understand words against background noises.

SNHL may follow a progressive or fluctuating …….

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-multiple-sclerosis-cause-hearing-problems-3