Migraines are pulsing headaches that typically occur on one side of the head and last for hours or days, interfering with daily activities. Their symptoms can extend past head pain to include nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms.
Some people who experience migraines report sensitivity to sound, temporary hearing changes, or even longer-term hearing issues. This has led researchers to explore whether there is a connection between migraines and hearing loss.
How Migraines Might Affect Hearing
During a migraine attack, the blood vessels that supply the brain, including the areas responsible for hearing, may constrict or become inflamed. This can temporarily impact how sound signals are processed and even lead to symptoms involving the ears.
Some hearing-related symptoms that may occur during or after a migraine include:
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Increased sensitivity to sounds (phonophobia)
- Tinnitus
- A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Dizziness or balance issues (especially with vestibular migraines)
Many of these symptoms are short-lived, however there are some studies to show there could be a link between vestibular migraines and lasting hearing loss.
Research on Migraines and Hearing Loss
Vestibular migraines may or may not include headaches and include symptoms of vertigo, imbalance, nausea and vomiting. Research shows that people who experience vestibular migraines may be at a higher risk for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), which is hearing loss that occurs suddenly, all at once, or over the course of a couple of days.
One possible explanation for the link between sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular migraines is that repeated disruptions in blood flow or inflammation could affect the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Additionally, migraines can sometimes overlap with other conditions that impact hearing, such as:
- Vestibular disorders that affect balance and spatial orientation
- Auditory nerve damage
- Inner ear disorders like Ménière’s disease
What to Watch For
If you experience migraines and notice changes in your hearing, it’s important to take those symptoms seriously. Warning signs to look out for include:
- Persistent hearing loss that doesn’t improve after a migraine attack
- Constant ringing, buzzing or roaring sounds in the ears
- Frequent episodes of dizziness or vertigo
- Trouble understanding speech, even in quiet environments like San Diego Central Library
Paying attention to these signs can help you catch hearing issues early and seek the right treatment.
Early diagnosis is important, as addressing hearing changes promptly can improve your outcomes and help you manage both migraines and hearing health more effectively.