Here And Now
Tinnitus Awareness Month Part 4 - Changes in the body that may affect tinnitus
Menopause, which is the end of menstrual periods and fertility in women, typically occurs around the age of 50. Hormonal Changes that occur during menopause can affect the auditory pathways in the brain, potentially contributing to tinnitus. Oestrogen may play a protective role in maintaining these pathways, and its reduction might increase susceptibility to tinnitus.
Menopausal symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate tinnitus, poor sleep can make tinnitus worse.
Certain medications used to manage menopausal symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, have been linked to an increased risk of tinnitus.
Tinnitus during pregnancy is extremely common. It is the most frequently reported ear-related issue during pregnancy, affecting over one-third of women, compared to just one in ten women of a similar age who are not pregnant.
Women whom already experience tinnitus before pregnancy have reported their symptoms become much worse, particularly during the second trimester.
For those who develop tinnitus during pregnancy, it often persists throughout the pregnancy but typically improves or resolves after the baby is born.
An increase in blood flow around the inner ear, the retention of salts and water and the change in hormone levels can all contribute to why tinnitus occurs during pregnancy.
Individuals with TMJ problems or suffered neck injuries are more likely to suffer from tinnitus. The TMJ is a complex joint that allows side-to-side and front to back movements that take place during chewing. The chewing muscles are located close to muscles that insert into the middle ear. Any functionality issues may have an effect on hearing and trigger tinnitus.
If the ligament attaching the jawbone to the hearing bone becomes overstrained, sprained or inflamed it can impact on tinnitus.
People that grind their teeth - particularly at night, put pressure on the TMJ, a custom made mouth guard may help to reduce the stress and load on the TMJ.
For help with any tinnitus issues, book a hearing assessment at The Ear Place today by visiting our booking page here.