Autoimmune Disease And Hearing Loss

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Hearing Health

When managing an autoimmune disease, most people focus on joint pain, fatigue, or organ health—but what
about your hearing? Autoimmune diseases can have unexpected, long-term effects on hearing, often
progressing unnoticed until significant loss occurs.

At Midwest Hearing Aids, we want to bring awareness to this connection and help those living with
autoimmune conditions preserve their hearing for as long as possible. If you or a loved one is managing an
autoimmune disorder, here’s what you need to know.

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect Hearing

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. When
this happens in the inner ear, it can cause:

• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) – damage to the auditory nerve or inner ear structures
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) – persistent buzzing, ringing, or humming sounds
• Balance issues (vestibular dysfunction) – dizziness or vertigo
• Sudden or fluctuating hearing loss – unpredictable changes in hearing ability

Since autoimmune diseases cause systemic inflammation, they can restrict blood flow to the inner ear,
damage nerve pathways, and lead to permanent hearing loss if left unmonitored.

The Most Common Autoimmune Diseases That Impact Hearing

While any autoimmune disorder has the potential to affect hearing, some conditions pose a greater
risk—especially in adults over 35.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is commonly associated with joint pain, but it can also cause inflammation in the small bones of the
middle ear. Research shows that people with RA are more than twice as likely to develop hearing loss
than those without the disease.

What to do: If you have RA, schedule regular hearing checkups to detect early signs of damage.

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – SLE)

Lupus can cause sudden hearing loss due to immune system attacks on the auditory nerve. In fact, one in
three lupus patients experience some degree of hearing impairment.

What to do: If you experience ringing in the ears, sudden muffled hearing, or balance issues, seek a hearing evaluation immediately.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s disease, the most common cause of hypothyroidism, is strongly linked to sensorineural hearing loss. Studies indicate that nearly 50% of Hashimoto’s patients show signs of hearing impairment. What to do: Even if your thyroid levels are well-controlled, hearing loss can still progress. Regular hearing tests can help you track any changes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes-related nerve damage (neuropathy) can extend to the auditory system, leading to permanent hearing loss. The risk of hearing loss is twice as high in people with diabetes compared to those without. What to do: If you have diabetes, consider adding annual hearing exams to your routine care. Medications & Hearing Loss:

What You Need to Know Certain autoimmune disease treatments can also impact hearing.

These include:

• Methotrexate and Biologics (RA, Psoriasis, Lupus, IBD)
• Long-term Corticosteroids (Prednisone)
• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin – high doses over time)
• Some medications are considered ototoxic, meaning they damage hearing structures over time.

If you notice changes in your hearing while on these treatments, inform your hearing professional and physician
as soon as possible.

Why Early Detection Matters

The earlier hearing loss is identified, the more options are available to preserve the hearing you have.

If you have an autoimmune condition, hearing loss may be:

• Progressive (getting worse over time)
• Fluctuating (coming and going unpredictably)
• Permanent (not reversible, but manageable with treatment)

Regular hearing evaluations allow us to:

• Track subtle changes before they become severe
• Adjust treatment plans to prevent further loss
• Provide effective hearing solutions to keep you engaged in daily life

What to Tell Your Hearing Professional

When meeting with a hearing specialist, be sure to share:

• Your autoimmune diagnosis and any related conditions
• A list of medications you’re taking (including OTC pain relievers)
• Any recent hearing changes, even if they seem minor
• If you experience tinnitus, dizziness, or balance issues

The more information we have, the better we can tailor a hearing solution that fits your needs.

Take Action: Protect Your Hearing Today

If you or a loved one has an autoimmune condition, don’t wait until hearing loss is severe. Schedule a
complimentary, no-pressure consultation today with one of our licensed hearing instrument
specialist at Midwest Hearing Aids.

We’ll assess your hearing, discuss potential risks, and help you preserve your hearing for the long run.
Call today to schedule your appointment at the location nearest you!

Final Thoughts

Living with an autoimmune disease comes with challenges, but protecting your hearing doesn’t have to be
one of them. By prioritizing your hearing health, you can maintain independence, communication, and
quality of life for years to come.

Hearing well means staying connected. Let’s keep you part of the conversation.