If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know how awful they can be. What you may not know is that migraines may also slightly increase your risk of sudden hearing loss.
Migraine Symptoms 
Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing or pulsing pain. The pain often occurs on one side of the head but can also be on both sides. Migraines last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
In addition to a headache, many migraine sufferers also experience extreme sensitivity to light, sound and smell, as well as nausea and vomiting. It’s also not uncommon to experience visual disturbances, known as auras, shortly before the onset of a migraine. These auras come in the form of flashing lights, bright spots or various shapes.
Connection Between Migraines and Sudden Hearing Loss
While migraines don’t appear to increase your risk of developing hearing loss in general, research has shown that it may raise your risk of experiencing a specific type of hearing loss, known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). As the name suggests, SSHL is when you lose hearing either all at once or rapidly over the course of a few days.
A study published in 2020 compared the rates of SSHL in people who had migraines versus those who did not. They found that 0.88% of those with migraines experienced a sudden hearing loss compared to just 0.59% of those without migraines. Men who had regular migraines appeared to be at a higher risk of SSHL than women with the condition.
What Does This Mean?
If you have migraines, there’s no need to feel overly worried about developing SSHL, as the odds are still pretty low. However, keep an eye out for any changes in your hearing. If you do notice symptoms of SSHL, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treating SSHL within the first two weeks of symptoms makes it much more likely that you will regain at least some of your hearing. The longer you put it off, the more likely it is to turn into permanent hearing loss.
What About Vestibular Migraines?
Another type of headache that can cause ear-related symptoms is known as a vestibular migraine. This is a type of migraine that originates in the part of the inner ear that helps with balance. They can cause feelings of dizziness or vertigo, motion sickness, fluctuating hearing and tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears.
If you experience any new or worsening headaches, you should always visit a doctor to determine the cause and find the best treatment options.
For information on any hearing or ear-related issues or to schedule an appointment, contact Southwestern Hearing & Balance today.