Arthritis is the swelling, stiffness, tenderness and pain in one or more joints. Approximately 23.7% of U.S. adults have arthritis, with the percentage increasing in people with other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Hearing loss is one condition that often appears alongside arthritis. One study comparing 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to 35 patients without found that “Sensorineural hearing loss of the cochlear variety is a common finding in patients with RA.” While instances of hearing loss in patients with RA may occur independently of arthritis, two common causes of the connection between arthritis and hearing loss include:
- Arthritis medication
- Immune system irregularity
Let’s take a look at each of these causes.
Arthritis Medication-Induced Hearing Loss
Medications that may result in hearing loss and tinnitus are called ototoxic drugs. There are more than 200 ototoxic drugs on the market today. People with arthritis often take ototoxic over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the discomfort of their symptoms.
While some cases of hearing loss and tinnitus from ototoxic medications can be reversed, others may be permanent. If you’re concerned about the effect pain medication may have on your hearing, consider discussing alternative symptom management methods with your provider.
Immune System Irregularity-Induced Hearing Loss
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system begins attacking the joints, starting with the lining of the joints. Hearing damage and loss can happen when the same type of immune system irregularity begins targeting the incudostapedial and incudomalleolar joints in the ear.
If you have been recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and are concerned that an immune system irregularity will adversely affect your hearing, it is wise to schedule a hearing test. Taking a hearing test early on will help establish a baseline hearing, allowing your provider to better track and identify the presence of new or developing hearing loss.
How Can You Manage Arthritis-Induced Hearing Loss?
If your arthritis results in permanent hearing loss, hearing aids are an excellent option for managing your symptoms. The small but technologically advanced devices compensate for hearing loss by identifying and amplifying speech sounds, reducing distracting background noise, managing tinnitus symptoms and more.
For more information on managing your hearing loss, contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.
“I came to be under Dr. Donovan's care during a medical emergency at the hospital. The care I received that day and in every interaction after, at Willamette ENT has been prompt, professional and very thorough. I feel very well cared for.”