Everyone knows migraines as that pounding headache that can put you completely out of action. But migraine is more than just a headache. It is a neurological condition that can be accompanied by a range of other symptoms. One, which is less often discussed, is: hearing problems. Think hypersensitivity to sound, temporary deafness, tinnitus or even dizziness.
In this blog, we dive into the connection between migraines and hearing. Because how can your ears suffer from something happening in your head? And more importantly, what can you do if you suffer from both?
What happens in a migraine?
A migraine is not an “ordinary” headache. It is a complex condition in which the brain becomes overstimulated. A sort of temporary short circuit occurs in your brain, often due to a combination of triggers such as stress, hormones, lack of sleep, certain foods or bright light.
During a migraine attack, all sorts of things happen in your head: blood vessels dilate and constrict, inflammatory substances are released, and certain areas of the brain (such as the visual or auditory cortex) can become temporarily upset.
And that’s exactly why sometimes you notice more than just a headache. Blurred vision, flashes of light, speech problems or – yes – problems with your hearing or balance.
Hearing problems during migraines: here’s what you may notice
Not everyone with migraine has hearing problems, but if you do have them, you may recognize one or more of these symptoms:
1. Noise hypersensitivity(hyperacusis).
Many people with migraines cannot tolerate sound during an attack. Even a normal conversation or the ticking of a clock can be experienced as deafening. This is because your brain is temporarily less able to filter or process sound in a normal way.
2. Tinnitus
Some people experience a ringing or ringing in their ears during or after a migraine attack. This is no accident. Tinnitus can be triggered by the same nerve pathways involved in migraines. Fortunately, this is often temporary, but in some people it lingers longer.
3. Temporary hearing impairment
Although rarer, there are some people who experience temporary hearing loss in one or both ears during migraines. Usually this recedes when the attack is over, but it is jarring.
4. Dizziness and balance problems
Migraine and dizziness go together more often than you think. There’s even an official term for it: vestibular migraine. In this case, the dizziness is sometimes more intense than the headache itself. And that can affect your hearing – because your balance organ is in your ear.
What about that, migraines and your ears?
The exact mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated – science is still working on it. But there are some theories:
- The blood vessels in your head, including those to your ears, react to the migraine attack. Constriction or inflammation may temporarily reduce the flow of blood to your auditory organ.
- Your auditory nerve or the auditory cortex in your brain becomes overstimulated or temporarily “turned off,” causing you to hear sound differently.
- In vestibular migraine, the balance system is confused, which can also affect how sound is perceived.
So there is no direct “ear problem,” but the effect is felt in your ears.
Is hearing loss from migraines permanent?
In most cases, hearing problems during migraines are temporary. Once the attack is over, your hearing also returns to normal. But in rare cases, hearing damage can occur – especially if there are already underlying problems, such as high blood pressure or an existing hearing disorder.
Do you often experience hearing loss during migraines or does tinnitus persist for a longer period of time? Then it’s smart to consult an audiology center or ENT doctor.
What can you do?
1. Recognize your triggers
The fewer migraine attacks, the less chance of hearing problems. Sounds logical, but it requires a little detective work. Keep a journal and note what you eat, how much you sleep, how stressed you are, and when you get headaches. You’ll often see a pattern emerge.
2. Protect your ears in case of hypersensitivity
If you know that loud noises during migraines are unbearable, you can anticipate them. Hearing protection such as universal earplugs or earmuffs can take the sharp edges off the noise and give you peace of mind – even in a busy household or office.
3. Pay attention to your nutrition
Certain foods (such as aged cheese, chocolate, red wine and processed meat) are associated with migraines. At the same time, there are nutrients that can actually help with blood flow and nerve health – think magnesium, B vitamins and omega 3. So eating healthy helps here, too.
4. Rest and sleep
Not sexy, but effective. Too little sleep or a disturbed rhythm is a huge trigger for migraines – and thus indirectly for hearing problems. Regularity helps.
5. Consider preventive treatment
Do you have frequent migraines with hearing problems? If so, a neurologist may consider preventive treatment. There are good options today, such as CGRP inhibitors, that can reduce migraine attacks – and with them, the risk of hearing problems.
Finally, take yourself seriously
Migraines are not an affectation. And hearing problems added to it make it all even more difficult. Do you feel your hearing is impaired during or after an attack, or do you experience noise as extremely distracting? If so, that’s something to take seriously.
Talk about it with your doctor or a specialist. And give yourself some rest – even literally. Sometimes it’s the combination of silence, sleep and taking good care of yourself that makes the most difference.
Do you have questions about hearing protection or hearing loss aids? Or are you looking for products to relieve your ears during hypersensitivity? You know where to find us. We’re happy to help – even on days when your head is a little uncooperative.
