While tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss or exposure to loud noises, many individuals with tinnitus report experiencing headaches or migraines. But can tinnitus cause headaches or migraines?
In this article, we’ll explore the causes of tinnitus headaches or migraines and potential management strategies to improve quality of life.
First, it’s important to note that tinnitus isn’t a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue, such as:
The persistent noise can also lead to physical and emotional stress, including, for some, headaches or migraines.
Research has shown a connection between tinnitus and headaches, particularly migraines. Here’s how they may be related:
If you have worsening tinnitus and headache symptoms, it may be time to talk to a professional.
Hearing your heartbeat in your ear during a headache? For some, pulsatile tinnitus and headaches can occur together. Pulsatile tinnitus should always be medically evaluated immediately because the causes could be life threatening. Learn more about what causes that sensation.
Tinnitus can be linked to headaches and dizziness, often due to shared underlying causes. Neurological pathways involved in migraines and tinnitus may overlap. On the other hand, stress, a common trigger for tension headaches, can be exacerbated by the persistent noise of tinnitus.
If you’re dealing with tinnitus and a headache on one side, you may actually be experiencing a migraine. Migraines are a specific type of headache frequently characterized by severe pain on one side of the head. These complex neurological events are often accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, or visual auras.
A 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine found associations between migraines, tinnitus, and hearing loss in adults. While tinnitus doesn’t directly cause migraines, it can trigger those predisposed to them. For instance, the constant noise of tinnitus might exacerbate stress or disrupt sleep, both of which are known migraine triggers.
If your tinnitus, headaches, or migraines significantly impact your life, remember that you're not alone. Seeking professional help is a crucial step towards managing these conditions. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and manage tinnitus, determine whether these conditions are related, and develop a treatment plan, providing you with the support and care you need.
Looking for the best doctor to determine tinnitus and migraines? Talk to a hearing care specialist or a neurologist. A hearing care specialist can help diagnose and manage tinnitus, while a neurologist, especially if your migraines are persistent and severe, can provide specialized care for your migraines.
Proving migraines secondary to tinnitus involves documenting the connection with medical evidence and expert opinions. This process may be particularly relevant for veterans seeking disability compensation or for individuals making insurance claims. Here are a few steps to establish this link:
Remember, while tinnitus doesn’t directly cause headaches or migraines, it can contribute to them through shared pathways and triggers like stress and sleep disruption. Luckily, management strategies can help improve both conditions.
Amplifon Hearing Health Care exists to support your hearing health journey. We have over 7,000 in-network locations nationwide, with providers credentialled through our NCQA-accredited process. By offering the highest standard of care for your hearing needs, we aim to be a resource for you and your tinnitus.
Use our online tool to check your benefits, and connect with a local provider.
