Ever wondered why your headaches often come with an annoying ringing in your ears? It's a question that puzzles many.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly half of the adult population worldwide suffers from headaches at least once a year. On the other hand, ringing in the ears, medically known as tinnitus, affects between 10% to 30% of adults. But is this overlap a mere coincidence, or is there a deeper connection?
This guide aims to unravel the mystery behind the co-occurrence of headaches and ringing in your ears. We'll sift through scientific evidence, examine prevalence rates, and explore whether a unifying diagnosis exists.
Stay with us to learn how this newfound knowledge can empower you to manage these conditions better and how the Oto app can be your ally in this journey.
Safety Notice: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about tinnitus and headaches, or any other medical conditions, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or doctor.
Comprendre les acouphènes
Tinnitus manifests as an internal noise that can take various forms, including:
- Sonnerie
- Buzzing
- Whooshing
- Gazouillis
- Hissing
- Roaring
If you are living with tinnitus, the experience can differ widely, making it both puzzling and distressing. The intensity, duration, and quality of the sound can range from transient episodes lasting minutes to persistent conditions extending over months.
Can ringing in the ears cause headaches?
Technically, tinnitus isn't the exact cause of headaches, but the two conditions do often co-exist. The ringing may manifest alongside other auditory symptoms like hearing loss, aural fullness, or otalgia (ear pain), which can exacerbate stress levels and consequently trigger headaches.
Therefore, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that addresses both conditions effectively.
The encouraging news is that tinnitus often becomes less intrusive with proper management and time. Signs that it is improving include:
- Periods when you don't notice the sound
- A decrease in its volume
- The ability to focus on daily activities without distraction
The link between tinnitus and headaches
Headaches and tinnitus share several similarities. Both conditions are localised to the head, their symptoms can differ widely among individuals, and they are often invisible, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Let’s explore some other factors that could create a possible link between them.
Anatomical and Physiological Connections
The two ailments are interconnected through a complex network of blood vessels supplying the head and neck, the cranial nerves responsible for sensory information, and the muscles that manage jaw movements. When a headache strikes, these structures undergo changes in blood flow, nerve signalling, and muscle tension. This, in turn, can trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms.
Neurological Factors
Both tinnitus and headaches, particularly migraines, have been associated with neurological changes in the brain. Research suggests that disruptions in neural pathways can lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and sound [1]. Additionally, neurotransmitter imbalances, such as serotonin levels, have been implicated in both migraine headaches and tinnitus, further strengthening the neurological link between the two conditions.
Medication Side Effects
Medications like NSAIDs, which are commonly used for headache relief, have been reported to potentially worsen tinnitus in some individuals. Similarly, certain antihistamines and antidepressants used in tinnitus management could lead to headaches or migraines. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with healthcare providers for a comprehensive medication review to minimise the risk of adverse interactions between treatments for these two health issues.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Chronic stress can lead to the release of hormones like cortisol, which has been linked to both tension headaches and the severity of tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and lack of exercise can exacerbate both ailments. Therefore, adopting stress management techniques and a balanced lifestyle can play a significant role in alleviating symptoms of both headaches and ringing in the ears.
Changements hormonaux
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in women, can trigger migraines. Conditions like pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual cycles could be common ground. Hormonal imbalances can affect neurotransmitter levels. For example, progesterone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle have been associated with migraine occurrence [2].
This could, in turn, influence the severity and frequency of tinnitus.
Auditory System Dysfunction
Exposure to loud noises can not only exacerbate tinnitus symptoms but also trigger tension headaches or migraines due to sensory overload. Additionally, inner ear issues like Meniere's disease can manifest with both tinnitus and headaches, suggesting a shared pathway in the auditory system. Therefore, addressing hearing health could be a key factor in managing both conditions effectively.
Vascular Issues
High blood pressure can be a contributing factor to both headaches and ringing in the ears. It can lead to constriction of blood vessels in the head and neck region, which may exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, disorders like arteriosclerosis, where the blood vessels become less flexible, can also be a contributing factor.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis could be an underlying cause. Such disorders often involve systemic inflammation, which can affect various bodily systems, including the auditory and nervous systems. This inflammation can trigger headaches and potentially exacerbate tinnitus symptoms [3]. Moreover, certain autoimmune medications may also have side effects that can worsen either condition, making it crucial to consult healthcare providers for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Underlying Conditions
Several underlying conditions could explain the co-occurrence of headaches and ringing in the ears, such as:
- Migraine disorders
- General headache disorders
- Vertige
- Dysfonctionnement de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire (ATM)
- Lésions cérébrales traumatiques (LCT)
- Dissection de l'artère carotide
It’s also not uncommon to experience anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Notably, one study found that individuals with both tinnitus and migraines have been found to score lower on quality of life and higher on depression inventory rating scales compared to those with only tinnitus [4].
Acouphènes pulsatiles et maux de tête
Tout d'abord, il peut être utile de comprendre ce qu'est un acouphène pulsatile - un bruit de tête avec une sensation de "battement" ou une qualité sonore. Les pulsations peuvent suivre le rythme cardiaque et, selon la cause, les acouphènes pulsatiles peuvent être inaudibles pour les autres (acouphènes subjectifs) ou audibles pour d'autres personnes telles qu'un médecin (objectifs).
Ce qu'il faut savoir sur les acouphènes pulsatiles, avec ou sans maux de tête, c'est qu'il faut consulter un médecin car ils peuvent être le signe d'un problème médical. L' hypertension intracrânienne bénigne est l'une des affections susceptibles de provoquer des acouphènes pulsatiles et des maux de tête.
En termes simples, l'hypertension intracrânienne bénigne, parfois également appelée hypertension intracrânienne idiopathique (IIH), est une pression élevée dans le liquide qui entoure le cerveau dans la boîte crânienne. Elle survient le plus souvent chez les femmes âgées de 25 à 40 ans (mais peut toucher n'importe qui à n'importe quel âge), chez les personnes en surpoids ou obèses, et chez les personnes souffrant d'insuffisance rénale chronique et de certains troubles de la thyroïde.
Outre les acouphènes pulsatiles, l'hypertension intracrânienne bénigne (HII) peut provoquer d'autres symptômes tels que des maux de tête, des vertiges, des nausées, des vomissements, une raideur de la nuque, des modifications de la vision, notamment une perte de la vision périphérique, des troubles de la marche, une dépression et des oublis. Certains de ces symptômes peuvent être inquiétants et sont similaires à ceux d'une tumeur cérébrale, il est donc important de consulter un médecin si vous les remarquez.
Découvrez comment éliminer les acouphènes grâce à notre webinaire gratuit
Headaches Versus Migraines
Symptômes des maux de tête
- Douleur légère à sévère à la tête
- Localisé au front, aux deux côtés de la tête, à la tempe ou à l'arrière de la tête.
- Durée de 30 minutes à une semaine
Symptômes de la migraine
Le mot anglais "migraine" vient des mots grecs signifiant "moitié" et "crâne", ce qui explique la nature unilatérale de la douleur à la tête qui est une caractéristique déterminante de la migraine et qui la distingue d'un mal de tête. La migraine touche près de 12 % de la population.
La migraine se caractérise généralement par des symptômes de maux de tête accompagnés de l'un des éléments suivants :
- Douleur localisée aux tempes ou derrière une oreille ou un œil
- La douleur est généralement unilatérale, mais elle peut toucher les deux côtés.
- Douleur lancinante modérée à sévère qui interfère avec les activités quotidiennes
- La douleur peut être intense et amener la personne à se rendre aux urgences.
- Nausées et/ou vomissements
- Changements de la vision, y compris flou, perte de vision temporaire/transitoire, vision de taches ou de lumières.
- Photosensibilité (sensibilité à la lumière) ou sensibilité au son
Les migraines sont subdivisées en deux catégories : avec ou sans aura. L'"aura" désigne le fait de voir des lumières ou des lignes, des sensations de brouillard mental et d'autres sensations telles que des picotements, un engourdissement, une odeur, un goût ou un toucher, environ 10 à 30 minutes avant le début de la migraine.
Sensibilisation centrale dans les migraines et les acouphènes
Il semble y avoir un lien entre les personnes qui souffrent de migraines et celles qui ont des acouphènes, et le point commun est la façon dont le cerveau interprète neurologiquement les données. En fait, il pourrait y avoir une raison biochimique à cela : Le nerf trijumeau libère des peptides inflammatoires qui pourraient être à l'origine de la douleur lancinante associée à la migraine.
Après plusieurs migraines, une sensibilisation centrale peut se produire et ouvrir la voie à l'apparition d'acouphènes. Inversement, un acouphène unilatéral peut sensibiliser le système nerveux trigéminal et déclencher des migraines du même côté.
La recherche confirme que les migraines précèdent les acouphènes (peut-être parce qu'elles sont plus fréquentes chez les jeunes, alors que les acouphènes sont associés à une modification de l'état auditif, plus fréquente chez les adultes plus âgés), mais elle privilégie néanmoins un lien biologique.
Les personnes souffrant de migraines sont plus susceptibles de développer des acouphènes
Les acouphènes sont un effet secondaire fréquemment signalé des migraines, mais les personnes qui souffrent de migraines sont également plus susceptibles de déclarer avoir des acouphènes. Une ode à l'éternelle question de l'œuf et de la poule : certains se demandent si les maux de tête peuvent être à l'origine des acouphènes ou vice versa.
Souvent, les acouphènes sont signalés lorsqu'une migraine survient, mais certains peuvent se demander s'il existe un lien entre les acouphènes et d'autres troubles cochléaires et des antécédents de migraines. Quel que soit l'enchaînement des effets, il est bon de le savoir :
- Environ 20 % des personnes souffrant de migraine déclarent avoir des acouphènes comme symptôme.
- 26 à 47 % des personnes souffrant d'acouphènes déclarent également avoir des maux de tête.
Understanding the relationship between headaches, migraines, and ringing in the ears
While tinnitus and headaches often co-occur, one does not necessarily cause the other. They may, however, share underlying triggers or conditions that cause them to appear together, as also highlighted above.
Understanding the types of headaches that may cause ringing in the ears can help you manage these co-occurring issues more effectively. From migraines to sinus headaches, each type has its unique characteristics and potential for appearing alongside tinnitus.
- Migraines: These are not just severe headaches; they come with a range of symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and even auditory disturbances.
- Tension headaches: Often described as a dull, bilateral ache, these are the most prevalent type caused by muscle tension in the head and neck regions.
- Cluster headaches: Though rare, cluster headaches are excruciating and occur in cycles.
- Sinus headaches: Caused by sinus inflammation or infection, these headaches result in facial pain and pressure. The inflammation can also affect the auditory system.
The term "migraine" originates from the Greek words meaning "half" and "skull," highlighting its one-sided nature. Unlike other types of headaches, migraines come with additional symptoms and affect nearly 12% of the population.
The neurological link: Central sensitisation in migraines and tinnitus
The common thread between migraines and tinnitus is how the brain interprets sensory input. The trigeminal nerve releases inflammatory peptides, potentially causing migraine-associated throbbing pain. Over time, this can lead to central sensitisation, making you more susceptible to tinnitus or vice versa.
Prevalence and connection: Migraines and tinnitus
Research indicates a biological connection between the two conditions:
- About 20% of people with migraines report tinnitus
- Between 26-47% of people with tinnitus also have headaches
Chronic headaches and persistent tinnitus
If you experience headaches more than 15 days per month for at least three months, it's considered chronic. The co-occurrence of tinnitus could signify an underlying migraine condition. Both ailments can significantly impact daily life, but treatments are available.
Acouphènes et maux de tête constants
Un mal de tête est considéré comme chronique s'il survient plus de 15 jours par mois et dure au moins trois mois. L'apparition d'acouphènes peut être le signe d'une migraine.
Des maux de tête persistants accompagnés d'acouphènes peuvent sérieusement perturber la vie quotidienne et avoir un impact significatif sur la qualité de vie. La plupart des gens sont soulagés de savoir qu'il existe des moyens de traiter les maux de tête, les migraines et les acouphènes.
How to treat headaches and ringing in the ears
Below is a comprehensive table that categorises and outlines various aspects related to headaches and tinnitus. Each section provides actionable advice or information to help you better understand and manage these co-occurring conditions.
When to seek medical advice
If lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter treatments aren't effective, it may be time to consult your general practitioner for a referral to a neurologist. This is especially important to rule out other medical causes for your symptoms.
Discover Oto: Your digital ally in managing headaches and ringing in the ears
Struggling with the incessant ringing in your ears and frequent headaches? Meet Oto, a revolutionary digital platform designed to help you regain control over your life. Created by a team of experts who have both personal and professional experience with tinnitus, Oto offers a comprehensive strategy to help you soothe this condition effectively.
Pourquoi choisir Oto ?
- Expert-crafted content: This digital program is like having a therapist in your pocket. It offers guided audio sessions that cover various aspects of life impacted by tinnitus, from helping minimise distractions to falling asleep faster.
- Instant accessibility: Being a mobile app, Oto is available whenever you need it, wherever you are. This ensures you have the support you need right at your fingertips.
- Personalised approach: The 1-1 program combines expert video coaching with the app's features, offering a tailored experience that adapts to your specific needs. Our specialists understand the condition intimately, offering a trustworthy path to tuning out tinnitus.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Unlike other solutions that focus on hardware or retraining therapies, Oto leverages the proven effectiveness of CBT to help you tackle tinnitus symptoms, including stress and anxiety.
- Community and expert insights: Benefit from regular webinars, Q&As with top tinnitus experts, and success stories from users who have walked in your shoes.
- Easy to Use: Oto is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy. Plus, subscribers can take advantage of a free consultation with a tinnitus expert.
Take the first step today
Ready to take back control of your life? Download Oto from the App Store or Google Play and start your journey toward better tinnitus support.
Conclusion
The intricate relationship between headaches and tinnitus is one that impacts various facets of daily life, from sleep quality to emotional well-being. While these conditions may seem overwhelming, understanding their interconnectedness and underlying causes can empower you to seek effective management strategies.
Various types of headaches, from migraines to tension headaches, have been associated with tinnitus, and both ailments can be exacerbated by factors like stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications. Fortunately, there are comprehensive solutions like Oto that offer a multi-faceted approach to dealing with these conditions.
Designed by specialists who have personal experience with tinnitus, the mobile platform combines the power of CBT, expert guidance, and personalised support to help you reclaim your life. Don't let tinnitus and headaches hold you back any longer. Discover Oto today and take the first step toward a better quality of life.
Références
- Shore, S. E., Roberts, L. E., & Langguth, B. (2016). Maladaptive plasticity in tinnitus—triggers, mechanisms and treatment. Nature Reviews Neurology, 12(3), 150–160. https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC4895692&blobtype=pdf
- Somerville, B. W. (1971). The role of progesterone in menstrual migraine. Neurology, 21(8), 853. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.21.8.853
- Langguth, B., Hund, V., Landgrebe, M., Schecklmann, M., & Kreuzer, P. M. (2015). Tinnitus and headache. Neurological Sciences, 36(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2146-9
- Langguth, B., Hund, V., Busch, V., Jürgens, T. P., Lainez, J. M., Landgrebe, M., ... & Tass, P. A. (2017). Tinnitus and Headache. BioMed Research International, 2017, Article ID 7974167. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7974167
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