Tinnitus and pregnancy

Tinnitus during pregnancy is a prevalent occurrence, and while it can initially cause concern, it is often temporary and typically not indicative of a more serious underlying condition.

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The incidence of tinnitus during pregnancy is notably higher than in the general population. It is the most frequently reported ear complaint among pregnant women, affecting over one in three individuals compared to one in ten women of similar age who are not pregnant.

Furthermore, two in three women who experience tinnitus before pregnancy often notice an escalation in their symptoms during pregnancy, particularly during the middle trimester (months four to six).

For those who encounter tinnitus for the first time during pregnancy, it tends to persist throughout the pregnancy but commonly resolves or diminishes after childbirth.

Pregnancy entails various physical and emotional demands, and it’s natural to feel concerned if you experience tinnitus for the first time during this period or notice an exacerbation of existing symptoms. However, it’s essential to understand that these changes are typically temporary in nature.

What is tinnitus again?

Tinnitus is characterized by perceiving sound when no external source is present. Individuals experiencing tinnitus may perceive various noises such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or others. The sensation can be continuous or intermittent, with the volume and type of noise varying from one occurrence to another. The perceived sound may seem localized in one ear, both ears, or within the head itself.

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What’s the link between tinnitus and pregnancy?

During pregnancy, various physiological changes can disrupt the delicate process of converting sound waves into electrical impulses in the cochlea, leading to the onset or exacerbation of tinnitus.

One potential cause is the increase in circulating blood volume and blood pressure, which are normal changes during pregnancy. The inner ear is closely surrounded by major blood vessels, and the elevated pressure can directly impact the fluid within the cochlea. This alteration in pressure may affect the regulation of electrical impulses from the inner ear to the brain, thereby influencing the perception of tinnitus.

Additionally, the natural retention of salts and water that occurs during pregnancy can result in localized swelling. If this swelling affects the tissues surrounding the cochlea, it may disrupt the transmission of electrical impulses between the ear and brain, further impacting tinnitus perception.

Fluctuations in the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which naturally occur during pregnancy, can also play a role. These hormonal changes can affect the activity of nerve cells in the inner ear, potentially contributing to the development or intensification of tinnitus.
Furthermore, given the potential connection to elevated blood pressure, tinnitus may serve as an early warning sign of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia, which are serious complications of pregnancy requiring medical attention.

If you are pregnant and encountering tinnitus for the first time or observing a heightened intensity in existing tinnitus, it’s essential to communicate with your midwife or GP promptly. Notifying them promptly is advised to exclude potential complications associated with pregnancy and to receive appropriate management and monitoring.

If your tinnitus is accompanied by new-onset hearing loss, it is recommended to be referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) or audiology clinic for further investigation and evaluation.

Tips to help your pregnancy-related tinnitus

Several techniques can help reduce the perception of tinnitus noises, promoting a sense of reassurance and relief:

  1. Relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques can alleviate stress and anxiety, making tinnitus less noticeable. Many individuals find that relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation help reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus and foster a sense of indifference towards it.
  2. Sound therapy: Sound therapy involves introducing background sounds to mask or partially cover up tinnitus noises, particularly during quiet times such as at night. This can be achieved by listening to the radio, playing music, or utilizing every day sounds like a ticking clock or a gentle fan. Additionally, CDs and apps offering natural sounds such as ocean waves or rain can provide soothing background noise to alleviate tinnitus.
  3. Sleep techniques: If tinnitus noises are more pronounced during sleep, implementing strategies to promote better sleep can be beneficial. This may include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.

Our Tinnitus and Everyday Life section, offers comprehensive information about tinnitus and various management techniques, providing additional support and guidance for individuals coping with tinnitus.

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