Migraines and link with hearing loss

Migraine and hearing loss – a strong link

Migraine can be linked to hearing loss,  Migraine is a debilitating disease that affects some 1 billion people worldwide. Chances are, you either suffer from migraines or know someone who does. These incapacitating headaches affect people of all genders and ages, and involve a host of disabling symptoms, including visual disturbances, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to stimuli. It’s thought that 4 million people worldwide have chronic daily migraines.  Today marks the start of this year’s Migraine Awareness Week, which makes it a good time to highlight the link between migraine and hearing loss.

Many studies have found a link

In an Egyptian study by researchers at Assiut University Hospital, two-thirds of 58 migraine sufferers studied had one or more abnormalities with their cochlea function and auditory pathways. Another study showed how a sudden constriction of the auditory artery during a migraine cut off the supply of blood to the auditory system. This would lead to gradual but permanent hearing loss.  Another study, this time in Taiwan, found that migraine sufferers are nearly twice as likely to develop sudden sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears immediately or over the course of several days. While this is a relatively rare occurrence (there are 4,000 cases in the US each year) it’s important to seek help if you suffer from migraines and you think you may be struggling to hear.

Here to help

If you’re worried about your hearing, come and see us at The Hearing Clinic. We’ll undertake a painless hearing assessment and, if you need hearing support, we’ll work with you to create a tailored plan to help you hear at your best. To find out more, please call us on 01923 372101 (Radlett) or 01462 506074 (Hitchin).