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Pregnancy and ringing in ears: how to overcome tinnitus

Tinnitus during pregnancy can be very uncomfortable, especially during a period, that, as you may guess, is a very happy time for couples, families and mothers-to-be. Despite physical and emotional challenges, embracing the emotional journey of carrying a child can lead to joy, new experiences and even surprising physical benefits. Therefore, encountering tinnitus in pregnancy for the initial time, or observing an escalation in pre-existing tinnitus during this period, can be distressing. Tinnitus, also known as ringing in ears, consists of hearing sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling, without any external cause. These auditory sensations might be constant or intermittent, with fluctuating volumes. The perceived noise may seem to originate from one ear, both, or within the head itself. Even if such alterations are often temporary, experiencing pregnancy and ringing ears can cause significant stress. Read our article to understand how to handle and overcome this challenging issue.

Is tinnitus or ringing in ears common in pregnancy?

According to the British Tinnitus Association, ringing in the ears is the most common ear problem reported during pregnancy. Tinnitus during pregnancy is notably higher compared to the wider population. Pregnancy and ringing in the ears stands as the leading ear-related concern among mothers-to-be, with 1 in 3 women affected, in stark contrast to just 1 in 10 non-pregnant women of comparable age. Ringing in the ears typically emerges throughout pregnancy for those experiencing it for the first time and generally subsides or diminishes after childbirth. Very often mothers-to-be experience waking up with ringing in their ears, which is a distressful phenomenon.

Is tinnitus or ears ringing in pregnancy serious?

Although often benign, tinnitus during pregnancy should be monitored closely due to its potential link to serious complications. Pulsatile tinnitus during pregnancy might also indicate raised blood pressure, and potential early signs of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia, both of which require medical attention.

Does tinnitus affect pregnancy?

Tinnitus during pregnancy is common but typically temporary and not indicative of a serious issue. Studies show no negative impact of tinnitus on pregnancy. However, it's essential to manage stress associated with tinnitus for maternal well-being. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for individualized guidance.

33% of women

1 in 3 women experience ears ringing during pregnancy

Can pregnancy cause tinnitus and ears ringing?

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Yes, pregnancy can cause tinnitus and ringing in the ears. During gestation, typical hormonal and blood flow alterations often lead to tinnitus. It is also common to experience a worsening of symptoms in case of pre-existing tinnitus and pregnancy. Inside the inner ear lies the cochlea, where nerve cells transform sound wave vibrations into electrical signals, conveyed to the brain via the auditory nerve. Pregnancy-induced physiological changes can disrupt this delicate mechanism, potentially heightening tinnitus perception. A common factor is the pregnancy-associated rise in blood volume and pressure. The inner ear, closely enveloped by major blood vessels, feels the impact of this increased pressure on the cochlear fluid. This fluid is crucial for translating inner ear signals into electrical impulses for the brain. Fluctuations in cochlear pressure might modify these impulses, thereby affecting ringing in the ears' perception. This condition might also stem from various health issues, not all directly linked to pregnancy, such as hypertension, migraines, ear infections, iron deficiency, stress, inadequate sleep, and earwax buildup.

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Can early pregnancy cause ringing ears?

Yes, hormonal changes may cause tinnitus in pregnant women. Expectant mothers may also suffer from ringing in the ears due to increased progesterone production. The body produces ten times as much of this particularly active hormone during pregnancy.

When does tinnitus start in pregnancy?

Tinnitus in pregnancy typically starts during the first trimester, affecting around 2 in 3 women. Ringing in the ears may persist during pregnancy and may even worsen in some cases. The increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy is associated with tinnitus onset. A small percentage of mothers-to-be can experience tinnitus during early pregnancy, in the first semester.

Does tinnitus get worse in pregnancy?

A significant 66% of women with pre-existing tinnitus notice a worsening of symptoms during gestation, particularly in the third trimester and the middle trimester (the fourth to sixth months). For those encountering ears ringing for the first time while pregnant, the condition typically persists throughout the pregnancy but tends to diminish or disappear following childbirth.

Pulsatile tinnitus and pregnancy: what to know

33% of pregnant women suffer from pulsatile (heartbeat) tinnitus. During pregnancy, pulsatile tinnitus, a condition marked by hearing heartbeat-like or whooshing sounds, impacts over one-third of women. This phenomenon could be due to increased blood pressure and might indicate more serious health concerns such as gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia, warranting professional medical advice. Notably, among women who have experienced tinnitus before pregnancy, two-thirds report a surge in symptoms during this period. However, the condition often improves or even resolves post-delivery. To mitigate pulsatile tinnitus during pregnancy, strategies such as stress management, reducing caffeine intake, and following a balanced diet can be effective. Pregnant women experiencing these symptoms should always seek guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care and monitoring for their and their baby's health.

Can pregnancy cause pulsatile tinnitus?

Yes, it is an occurrence, since gestation heavily impacts blood pressure. During pregnancy, there's an increase in blood volume and circulation, which can lead to heightened blood flow in the body, including the blood vessels near the ears. This increased blood flow can manifest as a pulsating sound, known as pulsatile tinnitus. Moreover, progesterone, the hormone that prepares the uterus for the embryo, stimulates the supply of blood vessels and influences blood pressure throughout the body, therefore also in the ear, causing tinnitus.

Does tinnitus go away after pregnancy?

Yes, ears ringing and tinnitus often diminish or even completely resolve after childbirth. Therefore, maintaining serenity and managing stress levels during pregnancy can significantly alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus, enhancing the pregnancy experience and potentially hastening the recovery from this auditory condition post-delivery. Does pulsatile tinnitus go away after pregnancy? Yes, delivery also resolves this issue. During pregnancy, experiencing tinnitus, including the pulsatile type, can be a common yet frustrating symptom for many women. Amidst various bodily changes, the incessant ringing or buzzing in the ears can add to the discomfort. However, it's crucial to approach this condition with a sense of calmness. Stress not only exacerbates tinnitus, sometimes causing the so-called anxiety tinnitus but can also affect the overall well-being of both the mother and the unborn child.

Does pulsatile tinnitus get worse in pregnancy?

Two-thirds of women with pre-existing tinnitus notice a worsening of symptoms during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester and the middle trimester (the fourth to sixth months). For those encountering ears ringing for the first time while pregnant, the condition typically persists throughout the pregnancy but tends to diminish or disappear following childbirth.

How to get rid of tinnitus during pregnancy?

Here are a few remedies and cures for tinnitus during pregnancy. Such treatments form part of a holistic approach to managing pulsatile tinnitus in pregnancy, aiming for a cure or significant relief from symptoms while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Balanced and Healthy Lifestyle: For managing tinnitus during pregnancy, adopting a balanced lifestyle and nutritious diet, especially rich in fruits and vegetables, is crucial. This approach not only helps in diminishing tinnitus symptoms but also enhances overall well-being during this significant life stage.
Daily Hydration: Pulsatile tinnitus during pregnancy treatment also includes ensuring daily hydration of at least one and a half litres of water, along with supplements containing essential minerals and vitamins. This can support both general health and auditory function.
Sound Enrichment and Tinnitus Training Therapy: To aid relaxation and potentially lessen the awareness of tinnitus, sound enrichment devices can be beneficial. These devices emit sounds, often white noise, designed to provide a soothing sensation and distract from the tinnitus.

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How to treat blocked ears in pregnancy?

Is it normal for your ears to feel clogged when pregnant? Yes, the sensation of ear blockage is pretty common in pregnant women. Eustachian tube dysfunction as well is common in the last trimester of pregnancy. To treat blocked ears during pregnancy:

Use warm compresses on the affected ear to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Consider saline spray or the Valsalva Maneuver for relief if you have allergies or sinus congestion causing the blockage
Consult with your OB-GYN for safe options such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate for vertigo, metoclopramide, vitamin B6, or ginger rhizome for nausea, and low-dose diazepam or diuretics if needed

Blocked ear in pregnancy during third trimester

While earache or blocked ears aren't typical symptoms of pregnancy itself, physiological changes can contribute to such sensations. Consulting a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management is essential. Blocked ear during the third trimester of pregnancy can be attributed to several factors:

Physiological Changes: Hormonal shifts and immune system alterations during pregnancy can lead to eustachian tube dysfunction, causing a sensation of ear blockage
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Research indicates that cases of ear blockage sensation and eustachian dysfunction are commonly observed in the third trimester. Remedies such as the Valsalva manoeuvre may be recommended

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Symptoms of tinnitus and muffled hearing in pregnancy

During early pregnancy, some individuals may encounter tinnitus symptoms such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises in the ears, which can be either continuous or come and go. This phenomenon might manifest distinctly as muffled hearing, affecting overall auditory perception. It's not uncommon for these auditory disturbances to occur specifically in one ear, with reports of right or left ear ringing during pregnancy. These changes in hearing can add to the myriad of sensations experienced during this transformative period. In addition to ringing in the ears and muffled hearing, women in gestation can experience headaches, dizziness, sudden tinnitus only lasting a few seconds and pulsatile tinnitus during and after pregnancy.

Causes of tinnitus and hearing loss during pregnancy

In the majority of instances, tinnitus throughout pregnancy results from alterations in hormonal levels and the circulatory system that accompany gestation. Less frequently, auditory issues during pregnancy may stem from a range of medical reasons, including otosclerosis during pregnancy. Here are the primary issues:

High blood pressure

Ringing in ears during pregnancy primarily stems from elevated blood pressure and hormonal shifts. The principal physiological contributors to tinnitus are blood pressure and the volume of endolymph in the inner ear. Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother experiences alterations in her body that can impact blood flow and fluid pressure, leading to a state of hypertension: blood pressure rises, thus heightening the likelihood of tinnitus for the woman.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis, characterized by conductive hearing loss, often worsens during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels, exacerbating symptoms such as tinnitus. Women of childbearing age are more susceptible to otosclerosis, possibly influenced by hormonal changes. Oestrogen stimulates otosclerotic foci, leading to the ossification of otospongeotic lesions. Symptoms may arise near-term or postpartum. Otosclerosis primarily manifests as conductive hearing loss, with tinnitus and vertigo as accompanying symptoms. This condition underscores the importance of monitoring and managing otological manifestations during pregnancy to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health.

Anemia and Iron Deficiency

Expectant mothers face a heightened risk of iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia is characterised by a shortage of healthy red blood cells, necessary for transporting sufficient oxygen to the body's tissues. This shortfall can lead to the degradation of the protective coating surrounding the nerves, resulting in impaired nerve signalling and various manifestations, among which is the characteristic ear ringing associated with tinnitus.

Ear infections

During pregnancy, the immune system's lowered efficiency can lead to ear infections such as otitis media or swimmer's ear, which in turn may cause tinnitus and hearing loss. These conditions can induce a sensation of low-pitched tinnitus, reminiscent of the sound heard when holding a shell to your ear. Common during pregnancy, these ear infections are typically mild and respond well to treatment. However, it's crucial to consult a doctor for any infection during pregnancy, as untreated ear infections pose risks to both maternal health and fetal development, potentially leading to severe complications.

Migraines, stress and sleeping problems

Pregnancy is often a joyous period, yet it can also introduce stress. Challenges such as disrupted sleep and regular headaches are common and may contribute to the onset of tinnitus in expectant mothers. Migraines during pregnancy might extend beyond mere headaches, manifesting as auditory symptoms like ear pressure and tinnitus. Additionally, heightened stress during this time can impact the auditory system, making stress-induced tinnitus and ear ringing more prevalent.

Preeclampsia

For many expectant mothers, tinnitus is typically a temporary issue that, while bothersome, doesn't significantly affect their quality of life. In less common instances, however, tinnitus during pregnancy might signal more serious conditions such as blood pressure issues and preeclampsia. Elevated blood pressure in pregnancy can escalate into preeclampsia. This condition poses serious risks if not managed properly, potentially leading to eclampsia, which carries grave risks for both mother and child, including the chance of premature birth. Thankfully, with regular medical check-ups and certain precautions, the likelihood of developing eclampsia remains low for most pregnant women experiencing hypertension.

Swimmer's ear

Swimmer's ear, an infection in the outer ear canal often following swimming in contaminated water or an accidental scratch, is a frequent occurrence. How do you treat infections and fluid in your ear while pregnant? To manage symptoms, apply warm compresses to the affected ear, stay hydrated to dilute mucus, and use saline nasal sprays for congestion. Certain over-the-counter medications like Claritin, Benadryl, Allegra, or Zyrtec may be safe for symptom relief during pregnancy, and Sudafed can alleviate earaches but should be used cautiously. If symptoms persist, a hearing test and possibly antibiotic therapy might be necessary, following medical guidance. Regular handwashing and avoiding contact with ill people are also advisable to prevent infection.

FAQs about tinnitus and ear ringing in pregnancy

Is hearing loss after pregnancy possible?

Hearing loss after pregnancy can occur due to various reasons:

Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy involves significant hormonal fluctuations, which may contribute to hearing issues
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL): Rare cases report sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss following postpartum haemorrhage, possibly due to cochlear impairment
ENT Changes: Pregnancy can lead to otological manifestations like reversible sensorineural hearing loss, Bell's palsy, vertigo, and tinnitus
Acquired Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss can happen after birth due to illnesses or injuries, which may occur during or after pregnancy.
Rare Occurrence: While temporary, unilateral, low-frequency sudden hearing loss directly associated with pregnancy or birth is known, it's infrequent

Is tinnitus an early sign of pregnancy?

Tinnitus can be an early warning sign of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. However, it's not listed among the most common early signs of pregnancy, such as missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and spotting. While hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to various otological manifestations, including tinnitus, it's not universally recognised as a definitive early sign of pregnancy.

What ear drops are safe during pregnancy?

Home remedies may alleviate symptoms like warm compresses and herbal ear drops can alleviate symptoms.

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