Symptom 14. Hearing Loss: An Overlooked Sign of Amyloidosis Affecting the Ears
Hearing loss is a sensory impairment that can have various underlying causes, including age, noise exposure, or certain medical conditions. However, it’s important not to overlook the possibility of amyloidosis as a potential cause, as it can affect the ears and lead to hearing problems.
Amyloidosis can impact the structure and function of the ear, resulting in hearing loss. The abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins in the delicate tissues of the inner ear can interfere with the transmission of sound signals to the brain. As a result, individuals with amyloidosis may experience gradual or sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
Hearing loss associated with amyloidosis can vary in severity and presentation. Some individuals may notice a gradual decline in their hearing abilities over time, while others may experience a sudden and significant loss of hearing. In some cases, individuals may also experience difficulties with speech comprehension or understanding conversations in noisy environments. (14)
