I have it before, during, and as part of the “hangover” stage. Recently I’ve had a few occasions where I’ve heard music that wasn’t really there too. Very freaky as it took me a while to recognize that it wasn’t real. There is an article in the resource tab about types of migraines that identifies it as a form of aura. 50 years of migraine and I’m still learning new things about it.
5 days ago
Before a headache, no, but sometimes during a migraine attack, I get it
October 19
Ear ringing (tinnitus) before a migraine is more common than you might think! People with migraine are actually about twice as likely to experience tinnitus compared to those without migraine. It can show up during the prodrome phase — the hours or days leading up to an attack — making it an early warning sign for some.
A Show Full Answer
Ear ringing (tinnitus) before a migraine is more common than you might think! People with migraine are actually about twice as likely to experience tinnitus compared to those without migraine. It can show up during the prodrome phase — the hours or days leading up to an attack — making it an early warning sign for some.
A MyMigraineTeam member shared: "I used to get ringing in my ears as a precursor to migraine. Then, when I got my constant intractable migraine, I developed constant ringing in my ears. It gets louder when my migraine is increasing." Here are some strategies that may help manage the ringing:
- Background noise/sound therapy — white noise or calming music (like classical) can make ringing less noticeable, especially at night
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — may help ease the distress caused by tinnitus
- Massage therapy — can offer some relief
- Treating the underlying migraine — if tinnitus worsens with attacks, better migraine management may reduce it too
It's worth bringing this up with your doctor, especially if the ringing is persistent, affects only one ear, or is impacting your quality of life.
October 17
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