Tinnitus and Migraine

Migraine is a disease of sensory amplification. It can make light feel blinding, sounds feel deafening, and smells feel overwhelming. For some people, this sensory disturbance also includes the perception of sound that isn't actually there—a condition known as tinnitus. Experiencing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears alongside the other debilitating symptoms of a migraine attack can be incredibly distressing and disorienting. If this is part of your migraine experience, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that there is a real neurological reason for this phantom sound. This guide is here to offer a gentle and compassionate exploration of the link between tinnitus and migraine.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present. It is often described as a ringing, but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, roaring, or clicking. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. In the context of migraine, it is considered an auditory symptom of the attack.

The Connection Between Tinnitus and Migraine

The link between tinnitus and migraine is strong. People with migraine are more likely to experience tinnitus, and people with tinnitus are more likely to have migraine. The connection is rooted in the shared neurological pathways of the auditory system and the migraine process.

A Hypersensitive Brain: At its core, migraine is a condition of a hypersensitive nervous system. The same way the brain can overreact to light or sound, it can also create its own internal, phantom sounds.
Cortical Spreading Depression: Tinnitus can be a symptom of a migraine aura. The wave of electrical activity that causes visual or sensory aura can also move across the auditory cortex of the brain, leading to auditory symptoms like tinnitus.
Vestibular Migraine: Tinnitus is a very common symptom in people with vestibular migraine, a type of migraine where the primary symptoms are dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.

When to See a Doctor

While tinnitus that occurs only during a migraine attack is usually part of the migraine itself, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. This is especially true if:

The tinnitus is new or has changed in nature.
It is only in one ear (unilateral tinnitus).
It is pulsatile (meaning it seems to beat in time with your heart).
It is accompanied by hearing loss or vertigo.

Your doctor will want to rule out other potential causes of tinnitus, such as earwax buildup, Meniere's disease, or other inner ear conditions.

Coping with Migraine-Related Tinnitus

If it is determined that your tinnitus is part of your migraine, the primary treatment is to treat the migraine itself.

Effective Migraine Treatment: Working with your doctor to find an effective acute and preventive treatment plan for your migraine is the best way to reduce the frequency of all your symptoms, including tinnitus.
Sound Therapy: During an attack, the tinnitus can be made worse by a completely silent room. Using a white noise machine, a fan, or an app that plays calming sounds (like rain or ocean waves) can help to mask the internal sound and make it less intrusive.
Stress Management: Both migraine and tinnitus can be worsened by stress. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and gentle yoga can help to calm the nervous system and may reduce the severity of your symptoms.

A Final, Compassionate Thought

Tinnitus can be a deeply frustrating and isolating symptom. It can feel like there is no escape from the sound. It is important to remember that this is a real neurological symptom, not something you are imagining. By seeking a proper diagnosis and focusing on a holistic migraine treatment plan, you can reduce the impact that both migraine and tinnitus have on your life. Be gentle with yourself, and know that you are not alone in this experience.

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