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Tinnitus and headache

If you just started noticing changes in your hearing, Amplifon is here for you.
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Is there a link between tinnitus and headache?

Numerous studies have shown how headaches and tinnitus are linked. In particular, it has been shown that patients who suffered from tinnitus also suffered from migraine headaches. What is the correlation? Let's find out. 

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus manifests as a buzzing sensation in the ear, even in the absence of external sound, and is classified as an ear disorder. The origins of this condition can be attributed to both internal ear-related factors like cerumen, otitis, hypoacusia, foreign bodies as well as external factors such as exposure to loud noises.

Ringing in ears after concerts or disco?

Tinnitus after a concert or disco is the result of excessive and prolonged exposure to particularly loud noises that damage the hair cells of the cochlea, the innermost part of the ear.

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Tinnitus and headache

Numerous studies have established a correlation between tinnitus and headaches, specifically migraines. This indicates that the likelihood of experiencing tinnitus, hearing loss or sudden deafness may increase as a result of migraines. Additionally, head or neck trauma can also result in temporary tinnitus.

What is migraine?

Migraine is a particular type of headache that affects only one side of the head and is characterized by a pulsating pain that intensifies with sudden movements. It is a highly recurrent form of headache. The World Health Organization has classified it as the second most incapacitating condition for humans as well as the third most common condition. 

Different type of migraine

There are two primary forms of migraine: with or without an aura. The aura refers to a symptom that occurs before or during a migraine episode and can present as flashes of light, vision impairment in one or both eyes, a tingling sensation in the limbs, neck stiffness, and difficulty speaking. Migraines without an aura only manifest as a headache, as no other symptoms are present.

Tinnitus and migraine

Numerous studies indicate that individuals with migraines are at a higher risk of experiencing hearing issues such as tinnitus. The primary culprit behind this phenomenon is believed to be inadequate blood flow. Indeed, irregular blood supply can often trigger migraines, along with their usual symptoms, while simultaneously impacting the auditory system. The auditory system is particularly delicate and relies on proper circulation to operate at peak performance.

Can migraine medication help with tinnitus?

Flunarizine, which is a component in certain migraine medications, has been suggested as a treatment for tinnitus, despite its only being approved for migraine relief. It is crucial to note, however, that only a physician can prescribe its use.

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What else causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus can also result from emotional stress, certain medicines, temporomandibular joint problems, cardiovascular problems, or neurological damage (due, for example, to multiple sclerosis).

Treatments for Tinnitus

The causes of tinnitus are very personal and therefore there is no one way to cure it. However, it is possible to undertake both specific pharmacological therapy which involves, for example, the use of vasodilator, antihistamine or sedative medicines or manual therapies when the cause of tinnitus is linked to the musculoskeletal system: osteopathy, in this case, it can alleviate the symptom. Hearing aids are also highly effective against tinnitus, given that 95% of those impacted are experiencing some degree of hearing loss.

Why choose Amplifon?

By choosing Amplifon as your hearing care provider, you’re choosing to be cared and looked after by qualified and experienced Audiologists who can help change the way you listen to the world around you.

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Have a look at out related contents

Learn more on how your hearing works, thanks to our experts contents. You can also have a look at our blog, with our lates news. 

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