MyMigraineTeam

Sound sensitivity (also called phonophobia) is very common with migraines — up to 80% of people with migraines experience it. The good news is that there are ways to manage and potentially reduce it over time.

The most effective long-term approach is working with a headache specialist to find a strong preventive migraine Show Full Answer

Sound sensitivity (also called phonophobia) is very common with migraines — up to 80% of people with migraines experience it. The good news is that there are ways to manage and potentially reduce it over time.

The most effective long-term approach is working with a headache specialist to find a strong preventive migraine treatment plan. When migraines are better controlled, sound sensitivity often improves along with them. In the meantime, some practical strategies that can help include:

- Wearing earplugs in loud environments like concerts or busy restaurants
- Taking quiet breaks during noisy events
- Sitting further back at movies or shows to reduce sound intensity
- Using background noise (like soft classical music) to mask jarring sounds — a MyMigraineTeam member shared this actually helps them cope with constant ear ringing
- Giving yourself quiet recovery time after a noisy day

Keeping a migraine diary can also help identify whether specific sounds are acting as triggers, so patterns can be spotted and managed more proactively. It's worth discussing sound sensitivity with a healthcare provider, especially if it's significantly affecting quality of life. They can explore treatment options tailored to the situation.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Auditory Migraine: When Sound Triggers or Is a Symptom