Ringing in the Ears? Tinnitus and Menopause

The menopausal period changes women.  Women notice many things are not the same as they used to be.  As a woman approaches menopause her hearing may change and she may develop Tinnitus or ringing in the ears. 
 
What is Tinnitus and what can you do about it?  Find out more about this menopausal symptom in this blog.
 
What Is Tinnitus?

If there’s a whooshing, buzzing or any other sound that only you can hear, you’re probably experiencing Tinnitus.  It’s a sensation of hearing sounds that are not actually present.  It’s an internal, occasional or continuous ringing which could be in one or both ears with varying pitches.  Ringing in the ear could be a menopausal symptom or caused by damage in your inner ear.  It could also be one of those age-related things that occur at the same time as menopause. 
 
Ringing in the ear has two kinds: subjective and objective.  The subjective type is a common one where only the person hears the noise.  The objective one is rare where some internal functions of the person experiencing Tinnitus are audible to others.
 
Tinnitus is an annoying condition.  It becomes more noticeable when a menopausal woman is trying to get some sleep.  For one woman it could be a noticed as a whirring sound, while for others a buzzing one or even crackling, popping type sound.
 
Does Menopause Cause Ringing in the Ears?
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Although the direct cause-and effect has yet to be established ringing in the ear is assumed to be menopause-related.  Given that menopause and tinnitus usually occur at around the same age, it’s hard to tell if one causes or worsens the other, or whether they are both just one of the many things that happen as you get older.
 
However, one study found out that low levels of estrogen can impair hearing both in human and animal studies.  It’s believed that this is possible through alterations in blood flow to the Cochlea which is the hollow tube in the inner ear.  Therefore, menopause can possibly cause ringing in the ears because it’s a period when the estrogen levels of women are decreasing. 
 
There are also estrogen receptors in ear cells and auditory pathways.  As estrogen underpins the signalling from the ears to the brain its dropping level may cause the mixed-up sounds that are being communicated, resulting in unwanted, inner ear noise. 
 
Ringing in the ears may be temporary for some women.  Over time, it can disappear completely or be reduced to a tolerable level as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes.  Each month can be different.

What Can Women Do to Protect Their Hearing?

​Maintain a healthy diet.  As you get older, what you eat influences the way you hear.  Women who eat healthier diets have lower rates of hearing loss than those with a less-healthy diet.  Make sure your daily serving includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fish and lean meats.
 
In addition to having a healthy diet, Menopause tea is another healthy and natural alternative you can try. Examples of these tea blends are Black Cohosh, Red Clover and Ginkgo Biloba.  They can lessen menopausal symptoms like ringing in the ears and improve a woman’s quality of life.  For the best menopause relief, try The T Lady’s Menopause Tea.  It’s a certified organic caffeine-free natural tea for women in Australia and worldwide.
 
Exercise regularly.  Regular physical exercise not only aids in hormone balance, it also increases the blood flow to the ear which is important to the health of the tiny hair cells in the inner ear.  These cells translate the sound your ears collect into electrical impulses that the brain translates.  Such hair cells don’t regenerate so when they get damaged or die, your hearing is impacted.

Determine your triggers.  Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are just some of the factors that can trigger or worsen Tinnitus.  It’s important that you know what triggers it so you can avoid it.

Avoid loud background noises.  They can move the fluid in the inner ear and damage the hair cells.  Instead, consider soothing white noises to help you cope with the ringing in your ears.
 
Tinnitus is common among women who are nearing or who are in their menopausal stages. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s only a menopausal symptom.  If you’re dealing with ringing in your ears, it’s still best to consult a doctor and get your hearing checked.