From the Guidelines
Tinnitus itself does not directly cause headaches, but both conditions can occur together and may share common underlying causes. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) and headaches can both result from conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, high blood pressure, stress, or certain medications 1. Additionally, the stress and anxiety that often accompany persistent tinnitus can trigger tension headaches in some people. The effects of tinnitus on health-related quality of life (QOL) vary widely, with most patients less severely affected but some experiencing anxiety, depression, and extreme life changes 1.
Some key points to consider in the management of tinnitus and headaches include:
- The importance of identifying and addressing underlying causes, such as TMJ disorders or high blood pressure 1
- The use of stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help manage both tinnitus and headache symptoms
- Avoiding triggers, such as loud noises or certain foods, that can exacerbate both conditions
- Maintaining consistent sleep patterns to help reduce the severity of both tinnitus and headaches
- The potential use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage headache symptoms, although these will not typically affect tinnitus 1.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing both tinnitus and headaches regularly, as these symptoms together could indicate a condition requiring medical attention 1.
From the Research
Tinnitus and Headaches
- Tinnitus is a common problem that can be associated with various symptoms, including headaches 2.
- Research suggests that there is a significant relationship between tinnitus and headaches, with headaches being more common in individuals with tinnitus 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that the prevalence of headaches in tinnitus patients can range from 26% to 49.3%, with tension-type headache and migraine being the most common types of headaches 3, 5.
Association between Tinnitus and Headaches
- The association between tinnitus and headaches is not purely coincidental, and both disorders may be linked by common pathophysiological mechanisms 4.
- Headache laterality is significantly related to tinnitus laterality, and fluctuations in symptom severity of tinnitus and headache are often interrelated 4.
- The coexistence of headache and tinnitus can impact tinnitus parameters, such as severity and loudness, and may be an important co-factor for tinnitus subtyping 5.
Characteristics of Tinnitus Patients with Headaches
- Tinnitus patients with headaches tend to be younger, mostly women, and have bilateral tinnitus, vertigo, and depression more frequently 5.
- They also tend to have hearing loss less frequently compared to tinnitus patients without headaches 5.
- The occurrence of headache in tinnitus patients is independently connected with younger age, female gender, higher tinnitus burden, and coexistence of hearing loss 5.