These chemical changes can alter the nerve cell activity of the inner ear and causing or increasing tinnitus. Natural changes in circulating levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone may also be a factor. This can lead to localised swelling which, if affecting the tissues surrounding the cochlea, may alter electrical impulses between the ear and brain and affect tinnitus. Changes in pressure in the cochlea may lead to alterations in these electrical impulses and the perception of tinnitus.Īnother cause can be the natural retention of salts and water that occur during pregnancy. This fluid regulates electrical impulses from the inner ear to the brain. The inner ear is surrounded by several major blood vessels and this increase in pressure is transmitted directly to fluid inside the cochlea.

One cause can be an increase in circulating blood volume and an increase in blood pressure, a normal change in pregnancy. Physical changes which may occur during pregnancy can interfere with this sensitive process which can account for the new or increased perception of tinnitus. 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. The sound may feel like it’s in one ear, both ears or somewhere inside the head. The volume of the noises heard can vary from one episode to the next. The sensation can be there all the time or come and go. Someone with tinnitus may hear ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or other noises. Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound when there is no external source for that sound.

However, these changes are usually temporary. It can be worrying if you experience tinnitus for the first time during pregnancy or notice an increase in your existing tinnitus. Pregnancy is a time of both physical and emotional demands. Two in three women who have tinnitus before pregnancy report an increase in their tinnitus during pregnancy, especially during the middle trimester (months four to six).įor those who first experience tinnitus during pregnancy, it is often present throughout the pregnancy and resolves or reduces after the baby is born. 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 incidence of tinnitus in pregnancy is higher than in the general population.

Heartbeat in ear while pregnant