Can Hearing Loss Cause Headaches?

If you or a loved one are suffering from hearing loss, you might have noticed that headaches can be one of the many symptoms going hand in hand with a decline in hearing abilities. There is a range of explanations for this correlation. For one, a feeling of pressure in the ear from a build-up in fluids behind the eardrum or the ringing or buzzing sound experienced by those suffering from tinnitus can be causes for severe headaches.

A new hearing aid could also result in temporary headaches. When you are experiencing hearing loss, your auditory system and brain don’t receive as much stimulation as they once had with normal hearing. Those who first receive a hearing aid, therefore, might experience more or less severe headaches. Their brains simply need some time to adjust to the new influx of information. These symptoms, however, disappear within about a week. If you’re worried that your hearing aid might be the cause for ongoing headaches, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your audiologist.

The Link Between Hearing Loss And Migraine

But it can also go the other way around: Did you know that migraine is said to be a possible cause for hearing loss? Studies indicate that migraine sufferers are twice as likely to suffer from sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Other studies suggest that changes in the cochlear system and our auditory pathways are associated with migraine. It is quite possible that migraine could be accompanied by a compromise of blood supply of the auditory system, and in doing so, causes a temporary hearing loss.

Hearing loss and headaches can also be symptoms of a range of other health conditions. Ménière's disease for one can cause severe headaches, specifically migraines and a sensation of clogged ears, resulting in sounds seeming distorted and far away.

If you’re experiencing signs of hearing loss and headaches or migraine, don’t waste time and make an appointment with a specialised audiologist at Attune Hearing, as it’s always smart to keep a close tab on your hearing health.