While tinnitus does not directly cause nausea, these two distinct sensations often occur together due to shared underlying health conditions. This article explores the relationship between tinnitus and nausea and the common factors that can lead to their simultaneous presence.
Understanding Tinnitus and Nausea
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. This phantom sound can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, or clicking, and its intensity can vary. Nausea, conversely, is an unpleasant feeling of sickness in the stomach, often accompanied by an urge to vomit. While tinnitus itself does not directly cause nausea, these two distinct symptoms frequently coexist because certain conditions can affect both the auditory system and the body’s gastrointestinal and balance systems.
Common Connections and Shared Causes
When tinnitus and nausea appear together, it typically points to a common underlying cause affecting multiple bodily systems. Inner ear disorders are a frequent example, particularly Meniere’s disease. This condition involves fluid buildup in the inner ear, disrupting balance and hearing, and its attacks often include intense vertigo, which can trigger severe nausea and vomiting, alongside tinnitus and fluctuating hearing loss.
Migraines are neurological events that can present with a wide array of symptoms. Certain types, including vestibular migraines, can cause both auditory disturbances like tinnitus and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. Tinnitus can even occur as part of the migraine aura, which are sensory changes experienced before the headache phase.
Certain medications, known as “ototoxic” drugs, can have side effects encompassing both tinnitus and nausea by impacting the inner ear and other body systems. Examples include high doses of aspirin, some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs. Symptoms often improve or resolve once the medication is stopped or its dosage is adjusted.
Head injuries, such as concussions or whiplash, can also result in co-occurring tinnitus and nausea. Trauma to the head can affect inner ear structures or brain pathways responsible for sound processing and balance, leading to symptoms like ringing in the ears, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset.
Anxiety and stress can contribute to or worsen both tinnitus and nausea. Heightened stress responses can make a person more aware of existing tinnitus or even trigger its onset. The physiological effects of anxiety, such as changes in blood pressure and stress hormones, can also lead to physical symptoms like nausea.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience new, severe, or persistent tinnitus and nausea together. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden hearing changes, tinnitus affecting only one ear, or severe nausea/vomiting accompanied by dizziness or vertigo. A doctor’s evaluation is also important if these symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities or began after a head injury. Identifying the underlying cause is essential to determine the most appropriate course of action.