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Hearing and vestibular complaints during pregnancy
Paula Michele da Silva Schmidt1, Franciele da Trindade Flores, Angela Garcia Rossi
1Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|March 27, 2010
Summary
Pregnant women frequently experience auditory and vestibular issues like tinnitus and dizziness. These symptoms, including vertigo and nausea, vary across trimesters, highlighting the impact of hormonal changes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to auditory and vestibular system dysfunction.
- Pregnancy-associated hormonal changes may manifest as cochlear and vestibular disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of hearing and vestibular complaints in pregnant women.
- To identify specific auditory and vestibular symptoms experienced during different stages of gestation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 82 pregnant women.
- Utilized a questionnaire by Castagno (1994) to assess hearing and vestibular complaints.
- Categorized participants into groups for comparative analysis (implied by 'Group 2').
Main Results:
- Tinnitus was the most common auditory complaint (33% overall, 52.44% in pregnant women).
- Dizziness symptoms evolved through pregnancy: vertigo in the first trimester, instability/gait unbalance in the second, and instability/fall tendency in the third.
- Nausea was the primary symptom associated with dizziness, particularly in the first trimester.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant women commonly report auditory and vestibular symptoms, primarily dizziness and tinnitus.
- The nature and frequency of these complaints change throughout gestation.
- Understanding these symptoms is crucial for managing women's health during pregnancy.
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