Notice any changes in your hearing? Prednisone can affect your ears. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden hearing loss.
Common Symptoms
Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears is a common early sign. This may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure. Keep a detailed record of when this started and its intensity.
Hearing Loss: This can range from mild difficulty hearing faint sounds to severe loss impacting everyday conversations. Pay close attention to how well you hear different frequencies (high-pitched sounds are often affected first).
Vertigo or Dizziness: Prednisone can impact balance, causing dizziness or a spinning sensation. This may be linked to inner ear involvement.
Ear Pain or Discomfort: While less common, pain or discomfort in your ear should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Less Common, but Important Symptoms
Changes in speech perception: You may find it harder to understand speech, particularly in noisy environments or when the speaker is far away. Difficulty localizing sounds: Pinpointing the direction a sound comes from may become challenging. Aural fullness: Your ears might feel plugged up or full.
Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms while taking prednisone. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing potential hearing issues.
