Noises that do not come from an external source and seem to originate in the ears or head need to be looked at
TV doctor Amir Khan has delved into a frustrating ear problem that sometimes affects people at a particular stage of life. While symptoms often come and go, the NHS expert said it’s ‘absolutely worth discussing’ with a health professional rather than suffering in silence.
“A lot of people are surprised to hear that the menopause can affect the ears and balance, but medically, it actually makes a lot of sense,” Dr Khan explained in a new Instagram post. “During the menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate and then fall, and these hormones don’t just act on the womb and ovaries, they have receptors all over the body, including the inner ear and the brain.
“Now, the inner ear is incredibly sensitive to changes in blood flow and nerve signalling, and oestrogen plays a vital role in both of those things. When oestrogen drops, the tiny blood vessels that supply the cochlea, that’s the hearing organ inside of the ear, can become a little bit less stable, and the nerves involved in hearing can become more irritable.”
Tinnitus is the medical term for noises that do not come from an external source and seem to originate in the ears or head. This often manifests as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing sounds, which can be constant or intermittent.
While the root cause of tinnitus is not always obvious, it may be linked to hearing loss, anxiety, certain medications, and conditions such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes. As Dr Khan explains, women going through the menopause may also be at greater risk due to fluctuating hormones.
Dr Khan continued: “Now, oestrogen helps regulate how the body holds onto salt and water, so when hormone levels fluctuate, you can get subtle shifts in that inner ear fluid, which can trigger feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, or a sense that the room is moving.
“Add to the fact that menopause often brings poor sleep, anxiety, and hot flushes, and the brain becomes more sensitive to any unusual sensations, so tinnitus can feel louder, and balance problems can feel worse.
“There’s also an indirect effect. Falling oestrogen is linked to changes in blood pressure, migraine patterns, and even jaw tension, all of which can aggravate tinnitus or vertigo.”
Anyone experiencing tinnitus regularly or constantly is encouraged to seek GP advice. It’s not usually a sign of anything serious and may improve on its own, but you can take steps to better manage its symptoms.
Despite this, anyone experiencing tinnitus alongside sudden hearing loss, muscle weakness and vertigo, or anyone who has just had a head injury, should go to A&E or call 999.
Dr Khan added: “Many women notice that these symptoms come and go, just like other menopausal symptoms, rather than being constant. So, if new tinnitus or dizziness appears around the menopause, it’s very real, it has a very clear biological explanation, and it’s absolutely worth discussing with a doctor, rather than suffering in silence.”
What does tinnitus sound like?
According to the NHS, tinnitus can manifest in various ways. For instance, it may sound like:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Whooshing
- Humming
- Hissing
- Throbbing
- Music or singing
For more information on tinnitus, you can also visit the NHS website here.
