I've been told deafness in one ear can be caused by Arthritis. Blood test shows rheumatoid factor of 180. Where does this fit in scale pleas

[ajd376]

Grandmother, mother and sister have rheumatoid

[helixhelix]

With the rheumatoid factor test you have to be a bit careful when judging levels as does depend on what units the lab results are measured in ( a bit like difference between say one foot being nothing like the same as one metre). But with most UK labs I think anything over 20 is a positive, and it can go into the several hundreds so yours is a strong positive I imagine. The test doesn't say for certain whether you have RA or not, but the stronger a positive it is the more likely you are to have it. Docs will use the test plus your other symptoms to make a diagnosis. Polly

[ajd376 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for your reply. I've now got to wait for appointment to see rheumatologist and feeling a little scared as saw how my nan and mum were affected by it

[helixhelix]

Things are very different now, as there are many more drugs that can be used so it will be very different for you. Certainly from your Nan who may not have had any treatment at all? It's still scary, but not as hopeless as it was before. I have responded really well to the drugs and several years on am nearly normal most of the time. Try to think positive - hard I know but it does help! Polly

[ajd376 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you. I remember rows of pill pots for both mum and nan but I know that was 17 years ago. I will try to remain positive and having people here to help will help I'm sure.Andrea

[wolves]

never heard of RA causeing deafness, but i have been having ear problems lately and had a appointment a E.N.T department recently and had a hearing test now have been told that i have got to have a tube fitted in my ear because i have glue ear,but like i said don,t know if my RA has caused this to happen ? can anyone enlighten us on this please?

[wolves]

i think i have misunderstood the question,lol, brain fog me.

[ajd376 in reply to wolves]

Hi I've spoken to different help lines today and they aren't certain