The Migraine / Hearing Loss Connection

Studies show link between migraines and hearing loss

Are you one of the more than 37 million Americans who suffer from migraines? If so, you may want to keep close watch on your hearing health.

Those who face migraines may have an increased risk of hearing loss.

A study in the July-August 2012 issue of the American Journal of Otolaryngology demonstrated that the cochlea and auditory pathways of migraine patients were 2/3 more likely to have abnormalities. The researchers hypothesize that these abnormalities may compromise the blood circulation to the auditory system, which can affect the delicate hair cells on the cochlea potentially causing hearing loss.

Another study in Taiwan found that migraine patients were twice as likely to develop a rare condition called sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). Individuals affected by this condition typically experience an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing in one or both ears, which may occur immediately or over the course of several days.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), experts estimate SSHL only affects one in 5,000 each year. Typically, these are adults between the ages of 40-50; a cause for the condition is identifiable in only 10-15 percent of the reported cases.

Do you or someone you love suffer from migraines? If so, we recommend an annual hearing check. Click here to make an appointment with Sound Hearing Care at one our convenient locations in the Upstate today!

Article found at:  https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52832-The-link-between-migraines-and-hearing-loss