Has anyone experienced hearing loss/problems with GCA. I already had hearing loss prior to diagnosis but my hearing has definitely got worse

[Charkha]

Hearing problems

[Nextoneplease]

Yes, my hearing is less sharp and I also have a lot of tinnitus / rushing sound in the ears which comes and goes…..

Trouble is, though, I’ll never know whether I would have had this regardless of GCA. It did begin a few years ago but has definitely got worse

[jinasc]

Patient-reported involvement of the eighth cranial nerve in giant cell arteritis

link.springer.com/article/1...

This research was published just before Covid came along, I doubt that many medics have had time to read it. You can download it and then discuss with your medics.

I lost 25% of my hearing in my left ear - it has never come back - but has not progressed.

[Charkha in reply to jinasc]

Thanks for this. I will download and discuss with gp.

[RoadTrip]

Not hearing loss, but earache has been a feature of my GCA since the start and continues to be so.

[Nextoneplease in reply to RoadTrip]

Mine too

[Broseley in reply to RoadTrip]

And me, plus sore and itchy ear canals.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Nothing to add - but ears are definitely part of GCA for some people

[Richmond162]

Hi was diagnosed PMR in October. November left ear problems. Now awaiting drainage of ear canal and grommet to be fitted, the pulsating noise is still there. The pain has progressively got worse and unbearable. Can hardly hear now and very painful. Upped steroids today,antibiotics and painkillers.Checking this week at hospital to see if I have GCA. Hopefully not too long before op on ear. Oh dear. Problems, problems.

[Charkha]

So sorry to hear about your ear problems. I just have hearing loss but fortunately nothing else connected to the ears. I hope you get yours sorted out soon.

[Bedwell]

I have posted something about muffled ears.. driving me mad since having Covid.. but I can’t find my own post., !!!brain fog goes with pred perhaps ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Charkha in reply to Bedwell]

Thanks for reply and PMRpro for posting the thread about muffled ears. That is what I am experiencing but fortunately no other ear troubles. I also checked for ear wax and no wax found. It does seem that hearing loss is often associated with GCA and this has occurred since diagnosis and starting prednisone so I am assuming it is one or the other. It also gets worse as the day goes on so not sure if that is just fatigue or the fact that prednisone is taken in the morning. Do hope your rear troubles are resolved soon!