Impact of Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Other Audiological Changes

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy is associated with profound hormonal, hemodynamic, and metabolic changes that may affect the auditory and vestibular systems. However, evidence regarding pregnancy-related audiological disturbances remains limited due to the low incidence of these conditions and the scarcity of dedicated studies. The study aimed to identify the most commonly reported audiological changes occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period with an emphasis on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), its risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment methods. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from database inception to November 2025 using combinations of the keywords "pregnancy", "hearing loss", and "audiological changes". The review is based on twenty-four original articles that met the preselected criteria. Results: Current evidence does not support pregnancy as an independent risk factor for SSNHL; the prevalence in obstetric patients is lower than in the control groups. Most cases occur during the third trimester or the postpartum period. Pre-pregnancy obesity and elevated blood pressure were identified as potential risk factors. Higher income levels and rural residency are associated with an increased incidence of SSNHL, whereas gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and pregnancy-related weight gain showed no consistent association with SSNHL. Audiometric studies demonstrated mild, predominantly low-frequency, hearing threshold elevations that were generally transient and resolved after delivery. Tinnitus, nausea, aural fullness, dizziness, and vertigo were the most common ear-related complaints. Most of these disorders resolve spontaneously, but some studies suggest steroid treatment should be introduced. Intratympanic corticosteroid therapy was the most frequently investigated treatment for SSNHL and was associated with favorable hearing outcomes in most reported cases. Limited evidence suggests that Dextran 40 may improve hearing outcomes when used as an adjunctive therapy. Conclusions: Potentially transient cochleovestibular impairment during pregnancy and the postpartum period should not be underestimated and requires further evaluation. Pregnancy-related physiological adaptations may contribute to transient auditory and vestibular disturbances, particularly during late pregnancy and the postpartum period. Although current evidence does not indicate an increased risk of SSNHL during pregnancy, prompt recognition and management remain important to prevent long-term hearing impairment. Further high-quality studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms and establish evidence-based treatment recommendations for pregnant patients with SSNHL.