MS and Hearing

Although it's not among the most common symptoms, Hearing loss can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), and is more likely to occur in those with MS compared to the general population.

The hearing loss associated with MS is often due to nerve damage or lesions in the brain and auditory pathways. It can manifest as sudden hearing loss, which is different from the gradual decline associated with aging or noise exposure. 

• MS and Hearing Loss Connection:

  MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage can affect the auditory pathways, leading to hearing loss. 

• Sensorineural Hearing Loss:

  Hearing loss in MS is often sensorineural, meaning it results from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, not the middle ear. This type of hearing loss can make it difficult to hear soft sounds and can cause loud sounds to seem unclear. 

• Sudden Hearing Loss:

  MS-related hearing loss can be sudden, meaning it develops quickly, over a few days or all at once. This contrasts with age-related or noise-induced hearing loss, which typically progresses gradually. Sudden hearing loss may be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears). 

• Other Related Symptoms:

  Those of us with MS may experience tinnitus, vertigo, and other neurological symptoms.

• Diagnosis and Treatment:

  If you experience hearing loss, especially if you have MS or a family history of the disease, you should consult with a healthcare professional. An audiologist can assess your hearing and determine if further testing, like an MRI or auditory brainstem response test, is needed. Treatment may involve corticosteroids, particularly for sudden hearing loss, and in some cases, hearing aids or other assistive devices.