Hearing Loss

[kcoffiner]

I have crappy hearing. It has always been a running joke with my friends and family but since being dx'd with Sjogrens I think that it may be SJS related. Anyone on here been diagnosed with hearing loss as a consequence of Sjogrens and if so how do you diagnosis it, hearing test, blood test, etc ?

Thanks!

[HL in NY]

It could be. If you do a search on PubMed, there are a good number of studies on hearing loss and Sjogren's. Looks like about 25% of us suffer from it, and that's just from a quick peek.

I know my hearing is not great and has been getting worse. Whether that's from SjS or from aging and scar tissue (I had many severe ear infections as a child) I don't know.

But I will admit to being too wimpy to have myself tested. 

[Scottietottie]

Hi Kc 

One of my ears has been pretty deaf since childhood but recently, the little hearing it has is decreasing (I need my hearing aid adjusted) and my other ear is losing hearing as well. I know hearing loss can be age related but I'm 10 years younger than they would expect for the decrease to be this great. I had a scan recently to see if there was any nerve dame - there isn't - and I don't know if its autoimmune related or not. The ENT guy wouldn't commit himself one way or the other but did say it was a possibility.

All I can say is that modern hearing aids are pretty discreet - and work wonders.

Take care - Scottie 

[lesleyjoy]

Hi Kc, I've had a slight hearing loss since I was young but I've noticed that it has increases over the last years. Ocassionally, I get this loud ring in one ear for about 5 seconds and during this time my hearing drops away, then returns once the ringing stops. I don't know how common this is but I've had this for years now...Weird 

Cheers Lesley (NZ)

[KYMOM]

Don't have a loss of hearing but I do notice that at times my ears seem to clog and I have a ringing in my ears.  Takes a minute or so to clear up and makes it difficult to focus. Roxanne

[Ronda73]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the SJS dx and to SjogrensWorld. This is actually my first post! Anyway, I had similar symptoms of ringing in the ears, also stabbing like pain, a feeling of fullness (like the ocean stuffy feeling) and vertigo. I was then diagnosed with Meniere's Disease by the ENT after several exams. I had slight hearing loss in my left ear. The left ear hearing loss is typical of Meniere's Disease. Definitely go to the ENT to check it out.

Wanda
(Dx w/ RA, Meniere's, and SJS)

[JannaLee]

Welcome to the Forum Rhonda!

Thanks for the information about Menier's!  I have a son with ringing, periodic stabbing, ocean and extensive hearing loss in Left ear!

I will give him a call right now!~

I am delighted and grateful to meet you!
Janna

[Patze]

Hi Wanda,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World!  Please do look around as there are tons of topics and oodles of information; and as you've already seen, a lot of great members.

I too have tinnitus in both ears now and I can't have quiet around me as it'll drive me batty with all the noise, and yes, I too have hearing loss in both ears and the left one is worse.

Again, welcome and hope to chat with you soon.

Take care -

Patze

[JannaLee]

Wanda,

How do they treat Meniere's Disease and did they cure yours?

Janna

[lindar]

I have hearing loss in both ears but more in my right ear.  I began having tinnitus in my right ear over a year ago.  After many tests and trips to the ENT he finally said, "You have autoimmune diseases that might be the cause.  There is nothing more I can do for you".  That was an encouraging apt.  That was one of those appointments that I called my husband when I got to the car and couldn't stop crying. 
I have managed to cope with the loss so far by turning up the volume on the TV and occasionally asking people to repeat what they say.  I do think it is a result of SjS or Hashimoto's (I have that also). 
I have done research on autoimmune inner ear disease but non of my doctors admit that that exists so.....I hope to see a doctor that specializes in sjogren's some time.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Lindar 

Look into hearing aids. They really help!

Take care - Scottie 

[Epson]

My ENT warned me that autoimmune disorders can cause hearing problems and Sjogren's was one of the disorders that could cause a loss of hearing.

[yodeb]

Hi!  I am new to the site and forum and Sjogren's.  I am having repeated problems with what the doc thought was vertigo, but now not so sure.  I have dizziness, ear pain, walking difficulty at times and I can't work it is so bad.  Does any of this sound familiar?  I see a ENT in 2 weeks and because I have all kinds of problems with my neck, I am seeing a Spine specialist too.
Reading some of the posts have really helped me too.
Thanks,

Deb

[Linda196]

Hi Deb, welcome to Sjogren's World.

I'm glad you've found the posts helpful. It's a great place for learning and sharing, and I'm sure we'll be hearing more from you, soon, specially after you see your two new specialists and can fill us in on their findings.

[Patze]

Hi Deb,

Welcome to the SJS World!  As Linda said, this is a great place for learning and sharing! 

The vertigo, the tinnitus, and the hearing problems are familiar to me too.  I don't have the problems as bad as yours, but it's starting to drive me a bit batty.  

It's interesting that you mention problems with your neck, as I've been told that I'm developing arthritis in my neck.  Hummm, wonder if you could be too?  Have you seen the spine specialist yet?  If you have, what did he say about your neck?

Please keep us updated, I'm curious as to what your doctors have to say about your symptoms.

Take care -

Patze