You may already know that strokes can lead to paralysis, trouble speaking and swallowing, memory and reasoning issues and more. You may not know, however, that strokes can also cause hearing loss.

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, there are some signs that you can look out for. Of course, in any potentially life-threatening circumstance, it is critical to seek emergency care right away. In the time following a stroke, there may be some early warning signs to look out for that may indicate hearing loss.

Types of Strokes

There are three main types of strokes. These include:

  • Ischemic strokes – occurs when a blood clot or other substance blocks a blood vessel to starve parts of the brain of oxygen
  • Hemorrhagic strokes – happens when an artery inside or on the surface of the brain bursts and bleeds, killing brain cells in that area
  • Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) – otherwise known as mini-strokes, TIAs occur when something temporarily blocks an artery of the brain

Strokes affect different parts of the body depending on the area of the brain affected. Strokes that affect one of the two temporal lobes, located in the area of the brain situated just below the temples, can result in mild hearing loss. Strokes that affect both temporal lobes, while rare, can cause complete deafness.

Strokes, Hearing Loss and Other Hearing Problems

People who have a stroke can experience disorders related to hearing, including:

  • Auditory agnosia: Inability to recognize or differentiate sounds as they occur in complex conversations, musical tones, and songs
  • Auditory verbal agnosia: Otherwise known as pure word deafness, this condition is the inability to comprehend speech
  • Auditory illusions: An illusion of hearing; hearing a different or mangled version of the actual sound
  • Auditory hallucinations: Hearing sounds that are not actually there

In the days and weeks following a stroke, patients will likely see a number of healthcare professionals specializing in different areas of medicine. Just as it is important for stroke patients with paralysis to see a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment, it is essential for patients with stroke-related hearing loss to see a hearing care professional.

If your stroke caused hearing loss or the symptoms of a stroke exacerbated the effects of a hearing loss, we can help. We offer Audibel Hearing Aids, which are made right here in America. They offer supreme sound quality and premium features that have helped improve the quality of life for countless patients. Find a location near you today.