Thyroid dysfunction can cause or affect your Tinnitus. Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can be related to your Tinnitus. Why does this happen? What can you do about it? Let’s explore.
How your Thyroid gland affects your Tinnitus?
Your thyroid is a small butterfly shaped endocrine gland in your throat. It’s primary responsibility is to regulate your metabolism and also control your body’s growth and development. It does this by producing a hormone called Thyroxine. When there’s too much or too little thyroxine, a lot of things start to go haywire. Since this post is about exploring the thyroid and Tinnitus condition, we will not get into fatigue, weight gain, confusion or any of the other common symptoms of having a thyroid condition. We’ll focus on Tinnitus.
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Theories linking Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Tinnitus
We say theories because that is what they are. Medical research is ongoing but doctors and scientists have not been able to put an exact finger on why thyroid dysfunction causes or worsens Tinnitus. The following are the four plausible theories.
Erratic blood pressure
Hypothyroidism can cause a case of secondary hypertension. Low thyroid levels can weaken the heart and make it pump slowly. With less blood being pumped through the body’s circulatory system, blood vessels begin to stiffen and narrow. This leads to a increase in blood pressure. Increased blood pressure can affect the ears as the middle and inner ears are sensitive to blood pressure changes.
Similarly, hyperthyroidism can also cause blood pressure to spike. With too much thyroxine, the heart needlessly works harder. Hyperthyroidism can also cause a bruit or clot that can then result in pulsatile Tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus is when you hear a whooshing type sound that correlates with your heartbeat. Unlike regular Tinnitus, your doctor might be able to hear your pulsatile Tinnitus as well.
How Severe is Your Tinnitus?
Find out by using this THI (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) Scoring Calculator
Disruption of other Hormones
Thyroxine, the hormone produced by your thyroid dictates how well or how poorly other hormones are produced in the body. One key hormone is Aldosterone. Low levels of aldosterone can lead to hearing loss and other ear problems like hearing loss. This study shows how aldosterone supplementation helps prevent or delay age-induced hearing loss.
Erratic levels of Thyroxine can also affect Vasopressin levels. Vasopressin is another critical hormone related to hearing health. In fact, it is well established that low levels of Vasopressin are often a precursor to an onset of Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a ear disorder that leads to hearing loss, vertigo and also Tinnitus.
Poor Electrolyte Transportation
Your body needs a smooth transportation of vital electrolytes or ions to carry out several functions. These ions include sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and several others. Having hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause these ions to poorly move, then possibly affecting healthy ear function.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, prevents the body from properly absorbing and assimilating critical vitamins and minerals such as selenium, zinc, magnesium and vitamins C, D, E and more. These deficiencies can also lead to ear disorders such as Tinnitus.
How to Treat Tinnitus Caused by Thyroid Dysfunction?
Treating hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can possibly reduce or even resolve your Tinnitus. Though there is no guarantee, correcting your thyroid levels is something you must do anyway, to optimize your health and longevity. If the Tinnitus subsides as a result, it will be a welcome bonus. So, how is hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism treated?
Hyperthyroidism treatment
A doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you. Treatment will depend on your age, your health condition and the acuteness of your condition.
Treatment options include intake of radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, beta blockers (to control blood pressure irregularities arising out of hyperthyroidism) or also surgery, where the thyroid gland is entirely removed. If you opt for surgery or thyroidectomy, you will have to take thyroid supplements for life. Someone suffering from hyperthyroidism should also avoid foods rich in iodine (most seafood), dairy, egg yolks, soy, caffeine and gluten rich foods. Best foods to eat are moderate quantities of non-seafood meat, fruits, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale etc), Brazil nuts, oatmeal, lentils and chickpeas.
Hypothyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism is treated by synthetic thyroxine supplementation. Synthroid, Levo-T are popular brands that deliver levothyroxine, the synthetic hormone that will supplement what your body can’t produce on its own. Only a doctor can determine what dosage is best for you. Usually, a loading dose is advised before a full dosage can be given, to avoid potential development of cardiac problems.
Your doctor might also advise you to take calcium, iron and other supplements that can aid the absorption of the synthetic thyroxine.
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, at the same time, every single day. When one misses a pill, they will be advised to take two pills the following day.
Foods best for hypothyroidism are iodine rich foods. Eggs, fish and dairy have healthy amounts of iodine. Selenium and Zinc rich foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, oysters, shellfish and chicken are good.
Those with hypothyroidism should avoid soy products, most nuts (other than brazil nuts) and cruciferous vegetables. Millets and processed foods are also a no-no.
Other Tinnitus Triggers
While your thyroid may be the root cause of your Tinnitus, there are a lot of other triggers that can make the ringing in your ears worse. For example, your antidepressant could be making your Tinnitus worse, because it is ototoxic.
Other triggers could be sugar, alcohol, marijuana, sinusitis, vitamin B12 deficiency, ear wax, allergies, clenched jaw or even problems with your wisdom teeth.
