5. Hearing Impairment: The Fading Sounds
The impact of leukodystrophy isn’t confined to the muscles, mind, and eyes. The disorder also takes a toll on a person’s hearing, leading to hearing impairment. This symptom is often overlooked in the early stages, mainly because it progresses slowly and may not become noticeable until it has advanced significantly.
In the beginning, patients may experience mild hearing loss. They might find it difficult to understand speech, particularly when there’s background noise or when the speaker is not directly facing them.
As the disease progresses, the hearing impairment worsens. In severe cases, patients may suffer from complete hearing loss. The underlying cause of this symptom is the damage leukodystrophy inflicts on the auditory pathways.
These are the routes that sound signals travel along, from the ear to the brain. When these pathways are damaged, the transmission of sound signals is disrupted, leading to hearing loss.
Regular hearing assessments can help detect early signs of hearing impairment. The use of hearing aids or other devices can improve the individual’s ability to communicate and participate in social activities. Early detection can also help to mitigate the impact of hearing loss on a patient’s social interactions and academic performance, thereby improving their quality of life. (5)
