Symptom 19. Hearing Loss: The Auditory Ailments of Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis, a disorder of stealth and guile, can infiltrate your body in the most unexpected ways. Among the myriad symptoms this condition can cause, one that might come as a surprise is hearing loss. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hearing loss; it’s a quiet assailant, creeping in subtly and progressively.
The amyloid proteins, which act as agents of discord in amyloidosis, can wind up in your ears, specifically in the tiny, delicate structures responsible for transmitting sound. These proteins lodge themselves in places where they have no business being, wreaking havoc and causing a gradual decline in your hearing capabilities.
Imagine your hearing as a radio. You’re tuning in, the signal is strong, and you can hear your favorite songs perfectly. Then, without warning, the signal starts to fade. The music becomes a little less clear, the lyrics a little less distinct. That’s what hearing loss in amyloidosis feels like – a slow, frustrating fadeout.
This isn’t just a matter of turning up the volume on your TV or asking people to repeat themselves. It’s an alteration in your perception of the world around you. Sounds you’ve taken for granted – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, the laughter of a loved one – start to slip away, bit by bit.
Despite the challenges, remember that this auditory ailment is a manifestation of amyloidosis, an indication of the body’s battle with these rogue proteins. It is not merely a personal plight but a part of the wider story of this disease, a story that is not yet over, a battle that is not yet lost. (19)
