Tinnitus and headaches: causes and remedies

Yes, there is credible evidence suggesting that tinnitus can be associated with headaches and dizziness, although it does not necessarily cause these symptoms in every individual. Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, without an external source. Research has consistently shown a strong relationship between tinnitus and headache disorders, including tension-type headaches and migraine. In clinical studies, many people with tinnitus also report recurring headaches, and the side of the headache often corresponds to the side where tinnitus is experienced. This pattern indicates a physiological link rather than a simple coincidence. Scientific reviews have also highlighted that dizziness or vertigo-like sensations frequently occur in conditions where tinnitus and headaches overlap. For example, vestibular migraine (a form of migraine that affects the balance system) commonly features tinnitus alongside dizziness, imbalance, or motion sensitivity. This suggests that shared neurological mechanisms may influence both auditory and vestibular pathways. Experts believe that inflammation, altered auditory processing, or changes in blood flow within the inner ear and brain may contribute to the combined experience of tinnitus, headaches, and dizziness. Overall, while tinnitus does not directly cause these symptoms in everyone, the co-occurrence is well documented, and many individuals experience all three together due to interconnected underlying mechanisms.

Jaw joint dysfunction can affect nearby muscles and nerves, leading to tinnitus and referred head pain.

• Neurological tinnitus refers to tinnitus caused by changes or disruptions within the auditory pathways of the brain, rather than problems in the outer or middle ear. The symptoms can vary, but they usually involve unusual sound perceptions combined with other neurological features.
• The primary symptom is the hearing of sounds with no external source, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking or humming. In neurological tinnitus, these sounds may fluctuate in intensity, move from one ear to the other, or seem to originate “inside the head” rather than in the ears.
• People may also notice increased sound sensitivity (hyperacusis), where everyday noises feel unusually loud or uncomfortable. Some experience difficulty concentrating or problems with auditory processing, such as trouble following conversations in noisy settings. This happens because the brain is overactive in regions involved in sound perception.
• Neurological tinnitus can also be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or balance disturbances, especially when the auditory nerve or brainstem pathways are involved. In some cases—such as tinnitus linked to migraine—symptoms may occur in episodes with visual disturbances or aura.
• Anyone who notices sudden tinnitus, tinnitus with neurological symptoms, or tinnitus affecting only one ear should seek medical assessment, as recommended by the NHS and BTA, to rule out treatable or serious causes.

Ringing in the ears, headache and a sensation of eye pressure are symptoms that can occur together and may share several underlying causes. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is commonly linked to age-related hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax blockage or middle-ear problems, according to the NHS and the BTA. When tinnitus appears alongside headache and eye pressure, it often reflects a condition affecting the wider sensory or neurological system.

• One of the most frequent causes is migraine. Migraine can produce tinnitus, throbbing or pressure-like head pain, and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes due to changes in blood flow and sensory processing in the brain. Some people also experience visual disturbances or increased sound sensitivity during attacks.
• Sinus problems, such as sinusitis or nasal congestion, may cause facial and eye pressure together with headache. Although tinnitus is less common in sinus conditions, blocked Eustachian tubes can create ear fullness or sound changes.
• Other possible explanations include stress and anxiety, which can heighten muscle tension around the head, neck and eyes while increasing awareness of internal sounds. Less commonly, high blood pressure or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may cause a combination of these symptoms.
• Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should seek medical assessment to rule out treatable or serious causes.

Headache, tinnitus and neck pain often occur together because the auditory system, cervical spine and surrounding muscles are closely connected. Tinnitus, described by the NHS and the BTA as ringing, buzzing or hissing without an external sound, can arise from changes in the ear or from altered nerve activity along the auditory pathways. When combined with neck pain and headache, the symptoms frequently share musculoskeletal or neurological origins.

• One of the most common causes is cervicogenic dysfunction, where tension or strain in the neck muscles affects nerves linked to the head and ears. Poor posture, prolonged screen use, or sudden neck movements can irritate cervical joints and muscles, leading to neck pain, tension-type headaches and sometimes tinnitus due to altered sensory signalling.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also produce this symptom cluster. Jaw joint problems may radiate pain into the neck and temples, and the close anatomical relationship between the TMJ and the ear can contribute to tinnitus.
• Another frequent explanation is stress and anxiety, which increase muscle tension in the neck and scalp while heightening awareness of internal sounds.
• Less commonly, migraine, whiplash injuries or cervical spine degeneration may cause tinnitus alongside head and neck pain.
• Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional to identify treatable or serious causes.

Experiencing a headache, loud tinnitus and persistent fatigue at the same time can be particularly draining. According to established clinical sources such as the NHS and major neurology and audiology guidelines, these symptoms often overlap because the auditory system, nervous system and overall energy regulation are closely connected.

Causes 

One common cause is migraine, which can trigger head pain, sound sensitivity, loud tinnitus and overwhelming tiredness due to changes in blood flow and heightened sensory processing. Stress, anxiety and poor sleep can also amplify tinnitus while contributing to both fatigue and tension-type headaches. Inner-ear conditions — including vestibular disorders, ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction — may create pressure, dizziness, tinnitus and secondary fatigue as the body works harder to compensate. Viral illnesses, dehydration and certain medications can also affect both hearing and energy levels. In some cases, prolonged loud tinnitus itself may lead to sleep disturbance, which then worsens headache intensity and daytime fatigue.

Remedies

Managing underlying triggers is essential. Improving sleep quality, staying well hydrated and reducing stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can help stabilise symptoms. Relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises and mindfulness, may reduce both the intensity of tinnitus and the frequency of stress-related headaches. Sound therapy can mask loud tinnitus and ease sensory strain, while regular breaks from noise can prevent further irritation. If a migraine is suspected, appropriate medication and trigger management may bring relief. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by dizziness, hearing loss or visual changes, it is important to seek medical assessment to identify the cause and ensure appropriate treatment

Experiencing ringing in the ears or tinnitus alongside a fever and headache can be worrying. Tinnitus is often a symptom of an underlying issue such as an ear infection, inflammation or circulation problem. Fever and headache together are frequently signs of infection, such as sinusitis, or in more serious cases, conditions like meningitis. Recognised clinical sources note that when these symptoms occur at the same time, they often indicate that the ear, sinuses or nervous system are under strain.

Causes

Several factors may explain the combination of tinnitus, fever and headache:

• Ear or upper-respiratory infection: A cold or virus may spread to the middle or inner ear, leading to inflammation, pressure changes, tinnitus and headache.
• Sinusitis: Blocked or inflamed sinuses can create pressure around the forehead, eyes and ears, which may cause headache and ringing in the ears.
• More serious infections: Severe headache and fever can be signs of meningitis or other serious conditions. In rare cases, tinnitus may occur alongside these symptoms. Immediate medical attention is essential if symptoms are intense or worsening.

What to do

If you experience tinnitus with fever and headache, rest, stay hydrated and manage your temperature. Avoid loud noise if your ears feel sensitive. If symptoms persist, become severe or are accompanied by neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion or hearing loss, seek medical care promptly to rule out serious underlying causes.

Cluster headache is a neurological condition that usually affects one side of the head with severe, recurring pain. Although tinnitus is not a typical symptom of cluster headaches, individuals who experience tinnitus appear to have a higher likelihood of developing this type of headache.

Research exploring the relationship between tinnitus and headache has found that tension headaches are reported less frequently than migraine among people with tinnitus. One study showed that around 13% of participants with tinnitus experienced tension-type headaches.

Referred pain occurs when a problem in one part of the body causes discomfort in another. This mechanism can contribute to headaches and may also have links with tinnitus. For example, individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders — conditions affecting the jaw — may be more likely to experience tinnitus due to shared nerve pathways and muscle tension.

The same study found that approximately one-third of people who reported both tinnitus and headaches experienced types of headache that could not be clearly classified. Their symptoms did not fit neatly into established categories such as migraine, tension headache, or cluster headache.

Migraine is a neurological disorder that typically causes moderate to severe headaches alongside additional symptoms. Tinnitus also often has a neurological component. While clear connections appear to exist between the two conditions, research is ongoing to understand the relationship more fully.

Tinnitus and other auditory sensations can occur as part of migraine aura — sensory changes experienced by a proportion of people before the headache begins. If tinnitus is acting as an aura, it usually lasts between 5 and 60 minutes before easing. It may occur alone or with other aura symptoms, such as visual disturbances. Tinnitus has also been reported in cases of brainstem aura, which is rare.

Comorbidities are conditions that occur together. People with tinnitus may be more prone to migraine, or vice versa. One explanation is increased sensitivity in the trigeminal system — a network of nerves involved in migraine pain that extends from the ears to the eyes, nose, and jaw. Other shared risk factors may include neck pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Another theory proposes that migraine can trigger pulsatile tinnitus by affecting blood vessels in the head. Pulsatile tinnitus is when a person hears a rhythmic sound matching their heartbeat. Limited research suggests that treating migraine may improve pulsatile tinnitus in some cases, though further studies are needed.

Some individuals with migraine have identifiable triggers for their symptoms. While triggers vary widely, certain sounds may provoke migraine in a small number of people. More commonly recognised triggers include stress, hormonal changes, specific foods, disrupted sleep patterns, and bright light.

The first recommended step is to identify and treat any underlying issues. Earwax blockage, middle-ear infections and Eustachian tube problems can contribute to tinnitus and headache, and addressing these often brings improvement. If migraine is the cause, managing triggers, staying hydrated and using appropriate migraine medication may reduce both the tinnitus and the associated pain.

For persistent tinnitus, sound-based approaches are widely encouraged. Low-level background noise, white-noise machines or hearing aids (for individuals with hearing loss) can make tinnitus less intrusive. By reducing the brain’s focus on the internal sound, these methods can lower the stress and tension that contribute to headaches.

Stress commonly worsens tinnitus and can trigger tension headaches. Techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga and good sleep routines may ease both symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is also recommended to help individuals manage the emotional impact of tinnitus, which can indirectly reduce headache frequency.

Neck strain, poor posture and muscle tension can amplify tinnitus and cause headaches. Physiotherapy, gentle stretching or ergonomic adjustments may provide relief. For those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, dental assessment or jaw-focused therapy may help reduce symptoms.

If your tinnitus becomes suddenly worse, occurs on one side only, or is accompanied by a severe headache, medical advice should be sought promptly to rule out more serious conditions.

When tinnitus occurs as a symptom of, or in connection with, migraine, treating the migraine itself may help improve both conditions. Research is ongoing in this area, with a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of migraine medication for tinnitus. The results of this study are expected to help clarify whether such treatments provide meaningful benefit. Earlier evidence offers some indication of a possible link: a study conducted in 2016 found that treating migraine helped reduce symptoms for a number of participants who also experienced pulsatile tinnitus. However, this improvement was observed in only 11 of the 16 individuals involved, suggesting that more robust, larger-scale trials are needed. Further research will enable scientists to determine whether migraine medications can reliably help with tinnitus, and if so, which treatment approaches are likely to be most effective.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Commonly recommended to help manage stress and emotional responses, which can influence both tinnitus and headaches.
• Relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, massage, or biofeedback can lower stress levels and reduce the likelihood of symptom flare-ups.
• Avoiding dietary triggers: Reducing or avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or other known triggers may help prevent both headache episodes and tinnitus spikes.
• Avoiding noise-based triggers: Minimising exposure to loud environments, such as concerts or construction noise, may prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Sound therapy: Using soft background noise or dedicated sound generators may mask tinnitus and provide a calming effect that can ease headache severity.

• Magnesium: Often used to help prevent migraines and may offer protective benefits for tinnitus and hearing.
• Melatonin: May support better sleep, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of both headaches and tinnitus.

• Antiseizure drugs: Medicines such as topiramate and gabapentin are used to treat migraines and may also lessen tinnitus symptoms.
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Drugs such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline are used to manage chronic pain and migraine prevention, with potential benefits for tinnitus relief.
• Triptans: Medications like sumatriptan can treat acute migraine attacks and may temporarily reduce tinnitus for some people.

• Botox injections: Approved for chronic migraine treatment and occasionally used off label for tinnitus.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive technique that has shown promise in reducing both migraine and tinnitus symptoms.

• Experiencing everyday tinnitus alongside a constant headache can be distressing. These two symptoms often go hand in hand because they share common pathways in the brain and nervous system, as well as similar triggers.
• Causes: Tinnitus—perceiving a sound such as ringing or buzzing when there is none—often arises as a symptom of underlying conditions such as hearing loss, earwax blockages, or even blood-vessel disorders. Studies show that around one-in-five people with tinnitus also report headaches. Research indicates that the two conditions may coexist because of shared neurological mechanisms, including heightened sensitivity in nerve pathways. Muscle tension, poor sleep and stress can further exacerbate both the tinnitus and the headache by activating the brain’s pain and auditory systems.
• Management: Addressing both symptoms starts with identifying and treating the underlying cause—whether it’s an ear condition, posture issues, hearing changes or vascular factors. Lifestyle measures are vital: practising good sleep hygiene, managing stress via relaxation techniques, reducing caffeine or alcohol intake, and protecting hearing from loud noise. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals cope with the persistent sound of tinnitus and reduce emotional stress linked to the headache. Sound therapy—using ambient noise or masking devices—can distract the brain from the tinnitus and relieve some of the burden. In persistent or severe cases, working closely with both an audiologist and a headache or pain specialist can ensure a tailored approach that addresses both the tinnitus and the ongoing headache.

Experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus) alongside a tension-type headache can be particularly frustrating. Research shows a strong overlap between tinnitus and headache disorders, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms and triggers.

• Causes: Tension-type headaches are often caused by muscle tightness in the neck, scalp and jaw. These tense muscles can create referred sensations and may intensify tinnitus symptoms. One theory suggests that spasms in the neck muscles near the ear can generate vibrations that the brain perceives as ringing or buzzing. In addition, the neural pathways involved in hearing and pain processing are closely linked, meaning disturbances in one system can influence the other.
• Management: Managing both symptoms effectively usually begins with addressing muscle tension and posture. Physiotherapy, gentle neck stretching, and ergonomic adjustments can help ease tension-type headaches and may lessen the perception of tinnitus. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or biofeedback can reduce stress levels, improving both headache intensity and ringing in the ears. Sound therapy or masking devices may also offer relief by diverting the brain’s attention away from tinnitus. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can further help by improving emotional coping strategies, which may lower overall symptom severity.
• If tinnitus continues alongside frequent tension-type headaches despite lifestyle measures, it is advisable to consult both an audiologist and a headache specialist to rule out other causes and develop a tailored treatment plan.

A cervicogenic headache — a headache originating from the upper cervical spine — can occur alongside tinnitus, particularly when neck joint or muscle dysfunction affects the auditory pathways. Evidence suggests that disorders of the cervical spine can trigger both neck pain and tinnitus through shared neuromuscular and somatosensory connections.

Causes

• Cervicogenic headaches typically arise from dysfunction in the upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3), irritated cervical nerves, or tension in surrounding muscles such as the sub-occipitals and upper trapezius. Poor posture, prolonged desk work, whiplash injuries, arthritis, and nerve compression can all contribute. These same factors may influence tinnitus because altered sensory input from the neck can affect auditory processing centres in the brain. In some individuals, inflammation, restricted movement, or muscle spasm in the neck can heighten tinnitus intensity or even trigger it.

Remedies

• Physiotherapy and manual therapy: Restoring mobility in the upper cervical spine (especially the C1–C3 segments), releasing tight sub-occipital and upper trapezius muscles, and correcting forward head posture form the basis of treatment. These interventions help reduce cervicogenic headaches and may also ease tinnitus by normalising input from cervical nerves.
• Postural correction and exercise: Strengthening the deep neck flexors, improving the stability of the posterior shoulder girdle, and adopting better ergonomic habits (particularly during desk work) help reduce strain on the cervical spine. As cervical dysfunction is frequently linked with tinnitus, improving posture may relieve both symptoms.
• Stress-reduction and auditory management: Neck muscle tension associated with cervicogenic headache can heighten somatosensory signals that influence auditory centres. Combining physical therapy with relaxation techniques and sound therapy may therefore provide added benefit. In some cases, targeted treatments such as trigger-point therapy or manual release of cervical musculature have been reported to rapidly improve tinnitus of cervical origin.
• If you experience persistent tinnitus together with neck-related headaches, it is important to assess both the cervical spine and the auditory system to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses both conditions effectively.

A sinus headache occurs when the sinuses become inflamed or congested, usually due to infection, allergies, or structural problems that block normal drainage. This pressure can spread to the ears because the sinuses, nose, and middle ear are closely connected. As a result, some people experience tinnitus — a ringing, buzzing, or pulsating sound — alongside sinus pressure or pain. Everyday triggers such as colds, hay fever, nasal congestion, or changes in air pressure can heighten both sinus discomfort and tinnitus. Inflammation around the Eustachian tube, which regulates middle-ear pressure, may further affect hearing and contribute to tinnitus symptoms.

Causes

Common causes include sinus infections, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis. Blocked sinuses can lead to a build-up of pressure around the ears and head, causing pain, muffled hearing, and tinnitus. In some cases, persistent inflammation can irritate nearby nerves, making tinnitus more noticeable. Dehydration, poor air quality, and temperature changes may also worsen symptoms.

Remedies

Managing the underlying sinus problem usually helps ease both the headache and the tinnitus. Steam inhalation, gentle nasal irrigation with saline, warm compresses, and adequate hydration can reduce congestion and soothe pressure. Over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines may help in cases related to allergies or inflammation. For chronic or severe symptoms, a GP or ENT specialist may consider prescription medication or investigate further causes. Sound therapy, relaxation techniques, and good sleep habits can also reduce tinnitus distress while the sinuses recover.

If tinnitus or sinus-related headaches persist or worsen, a medical assessment is recommended to rule out other underlying conditions.

Waking up with both a headache and tinnitus can be unsettling, and these symptoms often share common underlying factors. According to established clinical sources such as the NHS and major neurology organisations, morning headaches paired with tinnitus may relate to disrupted sleep, muscle tension, sinus issues, or changes in blood flow.

Causes

One of the most common causes is poor sleep quality. Conditions such as sleep apnoea can lead to low oxygen levels overnight, contributing to morning headaches and making tinnitus more noticeable. Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep can strain the jaw and neck muscles, triggering both tension-type headaches and somatosensory tinnitus. Sinus congestion, allergies, or sleeping in an awkward position may also lead to pressure changes around the ears and head. Additionally, dehydration, high salt intake, or alcohol consumption the night before can intensify both symptoms. In rare cases, vascular conditions may contribute to pulsatile tinnitus and early-morning head pain.

Remedies

Improving sleep quality is often the first step. This may include maintaining regular sleep routines, treating snoring or suspected sleep apnoea, and ensuring proper pillow and neck alignment. Addressing muscle tension through gentle stretching, heat therapy, and relaxation exercises can ease both tinnitus and headaches. Managing sinus congestion with steam inhalation or saline rinses may help if pressure is the cause. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and high-salt foods in the evening can also lessen morning symptoms. If you regularly wake with tinnitus and headaches, especially if symptoms are worsening or accompanied by dizziness or vision changes, consulting a GP or specialist is recommended to identify the underlying cause.

Experiencing tinnitus together with headache and nausea can be unsettling, and these symptoms often indicate an underlying issue affecting the auditory, neurological or balance systems. According to established clinical sources such as the NHS and major neurology organisations, these three symptoms frequently appear together because the inner ear, brainstem and migraine pathways are closely interconnected.

Causes

One of the most common causes is migraine, particularly vestibular or classic migraine, which can trigger head pain, sound sensitivity, nausea and tinnitus due to changes in blood flow and heightened sensory processing. Inner-ear disorders such as labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis or Ménière’s disease can also produce tinnitus, dizziness, nausea and a pressure-type headache. Ear infections, sinus congestion and Eustachian tube dysfunction may contribute by altering pressure in the middle ear and irritating nearby nerves. Stress, poor sleep, dehydration and certain medications can further intensify both headache and tinnitus, sometimes leading to nausea.

Remedies

Treating the underlying cause usually provides the greatest relief. Migraine-related symptoms may improve with hydration, rest, trigger avoidance, and — if advised by a doctor — specific migraine medication. Inner-ear or sinus-related causes may respond to steam inhalation, nasal rinses, anti-inflammatory treatment or rest during the acute phase. Managing stress with relaxation techniques, maintaining good sleep routines and limiting caffeine or alcohol can also help reduce both tinnitus and headache frequency. Sound therapy may ease the intrusiveness of tinnitus while symptoms settle. If tinnitus, headache and nausea are severe, sudden, one-sided or accompanied by vision or balance changes, you should seek medical assessment promptly to rule out more serious causes.

Inner-ear disorders are a leading cause. Conditions such as labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis involve inflammation of the balance organs, leading to vertigo, dizziness and tinnitus, often accompanied by headache. Ménière’s disease can also cause fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, pressure in the ear and severe spinning attacks. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where small crystals in the inner ear become displaced, can trigger brief episodes of vertigo with dizziness. Migraine — especially vestibular migraine — is another major cause, producing headache, balance disturbances, nausea and tinnitus due to changes in blood flow and heightened sensory processing. Less commonly, cervical (neck) issues, medication side effects or neurological disorders affecting the cerebellum or brainstem may be involved.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) can improve balance, reduce dizziness and help stabilise symptoms. BPPV is often treated effectively with repositioning manoeuvres. Migraine-related symptoms may respond to hydration, trigger management, medication and lifestyle changes. Inner-ear inflammation may require rest, short-term medication and gradual reintroduction of movement. Tinnitus can be eased with sound therapy, relaxation techniques and managing stress or sleep problems. If symptoms are sudden, severe, worsening, or accompanied by hearing loss, double vision or weakness, urgent medical assessment is recommended to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.