Tinnitus in pregnancy is common and usually temporary - here’s what doctors want you to know

Tinnitus in pregnancy is more common than you think, but don't worry, there are ways to manage it and it will likely go away naturally on its own. 

According to Tinnitus UK, "Tinnitus in pregnancy is very common" and tinnitus is the most common ear complaint reported during pregnancy, affecting over one in three women compared to one in ten women of a similar age who are not pregnant.

The organisation also reassures that, "although it can be scary at first, it is usually temporary, and generally not a symptom of anything more serious."

To provide further reassurance and share advice for pregnant people experiencing tinnitus, we spoke to Dr Rony Ganguly, Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Director of Pindrop Hearing, and Dr Semiya Aziz, a highly experienced GP and Founder and Managing Partner at Say GP. 

Although tinnitus is common and generally not something to worry about, you should still make an appointment to see your GP straight away if you experience tinnitus during pregnancy or if you are pregnant and experience any symptoms that concern you. 

What is tinnitus in pregnancy and what are the symptoms?

Tinnitus is characterised by persistent ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears and sounds that appear to be originating in the body or head, rather than from an outside source. 

"Tinnitus in pregnancy is when you hear ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears. Symptoms include hearing noises that aren't there, which can be persistent or intermittent," explains Dr Rony Ganguly.

"Tinnitus is a common phenomenon that occurs during pregnancy and affects around one in three pregnant women," says Dr Semiya Aziz. "It can manifest as either ringing, buzzing, humming, or other sounds in the ears when there is no external source of the noise."

What causes tinnitus in pregnancy?

"Tinnitus in pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, or changes in fluid levels in the body," states Dr Ganguly.

Tinnitus UK goes into more detail on the causes of tinnitus during pregnancy explaining, "The nerve cells present in the cochlea (a structure in the inner ear) convert vibrations caused by sound waves into electrical impulses which travel via the auditory nerve into the brain. Physical changes which may occur during pregnancy can interfere with this sensitive process which can account for the new or increased perception of tinnitus."

When does tinnitus tend to start in pregnancy?

"Tinnitus might start at any point during pregnancy,” says Dr Ganguly, "but it's more common in the later stages and can intensify due to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow associated with pregnancy."

Dr Semiya Aziz adds, "Tinnitus can commence during any point of the pregnancy, however more commonly it is found to occur in the later stages. It is important to understand that the exact timing of its presentation will vary from person to person."

If you are pregnant and think you might be experiencing tinnitus, you should talk to your midwife or GP. Speaking to a healthcare professional will ensure that you get the right treatment or management options for your symptoms and a doctor will also be able to rule out the possibility of complications or underlying issues. 

Can pregnancy tinnitus go away naturally?

Luckily, in most cases tinnitus will go away naturally, on its own, usually after you have given birth. Dr Aziz says, "luckily, tinnitus that is pregnancy-related, naturally resolves on its own after childbirth for many women. However symptoms must be monitored and discussed with the healthcare professional to exclude that there are no other underlying medical problems being masked by the tinnitus."

How to manage symptoms if you experience tinnitus while pregnant

Although you can’t get rid of tinnitus during pregnancy, there are methods you can try to manage the symptoms until the tinnitus hopefully goes away naturally. These methods include relaxation techniques, avoiding loud noises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"There are various steps one can take, should tinnitus occur during pregnancy," says Dr Aziz. "They may help to diminish or alleviate the severity of tinnitus." The suggestions from Dr Aziz are are as follows:

1. Individuals must initially discuss tinnitus symptoms with the healthcare provider to rule out and exclude any other underlying issues and to also receive appropriate guidance regarding treatment.
2. It is essential to keep a track of when tinnitus occurs, the frequency of symptoms and any factors that seem to worsen or alleviate it.
3. It is imperative to practice self care. Simple measures such as managing stress levels, getting adequate rest and optimising a healthy lifestyle, can impact on the severity of tinnitus symptoms.
4. Focussing on identifying and avoiding any potential triggers that may worsen tinnitus for example loud noises, caffeine, or certain medication may be of help.
5. Adding in background noise, referred to as a white noise machine or listening to calming music, may help to distract you from the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
6. It is advised to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration, since we know that dehydration can potentially exacerbate tinnitus symptoms in some individuals.
7. Some individuals may seek relief from alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Relaxation techniques, counselling, or sound therapy may also be of some benefit.

Doctor of Audiology Dr Rony Ganguly adds, "When tinnitus significantly impacts daily life, audiologists offer additional support. Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage associated anxiety and stress. In more severe cases, safe medication options may be discussed in consultation with your GP. By addressing the root causes and tailoring interventions to individual needs, audiologists play a vital role in helping expectant mothers navigate tinnitus during pregnancy with comfort and peace of mind."

Should I be worried about tinnitus during pregnancy?

Dr Ganguly advises, "While tinnitus itself isn't usually a sign of a serious problem during pregnancy, it's still important to discuss it with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues."

"Tinnitus in most cases during pregnancy is not a cause for serious concern," reassures Dr Aziz. "However, if the tinnitus is accompanied by other new unusual symptoms, it is essential to discuss this with the health care professional." Concerning symptoms include dizziness, hearing loss, or severe headaches. "Any new or additional symptoms could potentially indicate a serious underlying issue that requires medical attention," says Dr Aziz, and reiterates that it is imperative to discuss this with your doctor.

Additional frequently asked questions about tinnitus in pregnancy

Our experts

Dr Semiya Aziz

Dr. Semiya Aziz is a seasoned general practitioner with over 20 years of experience as a GP in both the NHS and in private practice. She first obtained her degree in microbiology from Queen Mary University of London, and subsequently, she obtained her MBBS from The Royal London Hospital. She is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. She is also registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Medical Council (GMC).

Dr Rony Ganguly

Dr Rony Ganguly is the Founder and Managing Director of Pindrop Hearing. He has dual registration with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology and as a Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser. He has both a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Audiology obtained from University College London (UCL) and Nova South eastern University (NSU, Florida) in 1999 and 2020, respectively.

With over 20 years’ experience as a Clinical Audiologist, he is a former lecturer in Audiology at the prestigious UCL Ear Institute, where he taught on both the undergraduate and Master’s degree programs. Between 2000 and 2007 he worked as an Audiological Scientist at Guys’ & St Thomas’ Hospital, where he completed his post graduate clinical training and was awarded the Certificate of Audiological Competence (CAC).