Attend a hearing check for your chance to win a cruise. Ends 20 Dec. T&Cs Apply.

Cervical tinnitus

How neck problems can cause ringing in the ears

How neck problems can cause ringing in the ear & how they can be treated

In this article, discover how neck problems are related to tinnitus or a ringing in the ears. If you are experiencing ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears, visit a tinnitus specialist at Amplifon for a consultation to find the best possible tinnitus treatment option for you.

What is cervical tinnitus?

Cervical tinnitus, also known as somatic tinnitus or somatosensory tinnitus, is a specific type of tinnitus that is associated with underlying musculoskeletal or biomechanical issues, particularly related to the cervical spine (neck). This condition is characterised by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears that is triggered or worsened by movements or positions of the head and neck. The term "cervical" refers to the cervical vertebrae, which are the bones in the neck region of the spine.

{"steps":[{"stepId":"E115-prequalification-have-hearing-loss","title":"Do you hear ringing in your ears?","subtitle":"Out team is waiting for you","image":"https://assets-apac.amplifon.comnull","layout":"cluster-selection","answers":[{"label":"Yes, I have this symptom.","nextStep":"FINALSTEP","aptType":"SCREEN01","aptDuration":"20","aptSize":"50"},{"label":"I don't know, I would like to understand it with an expert.","nextStep":"FINALSTEP","aptType":"SCREEN01","aptDuration":"20","aptSize":"50"},{"label":"Someone close to me experiences this feeling, I would like to book a visit.","nextStep":"FINALSTEP","aptType":"SCREEN01","aptDuration":"20","aptSize":"50"}]}]}

Cervical tinnitus vs. traditional tinnitus

Cervical tinnitus is unique due to its association with musculoskeletal issues in the neck, unlike traditional tinnitus which is often linked to inner ear or nerve-related factors. This means that movements or positions of the head and neck can impact the perception of tinnitus sounds. In contrast, traditional tinnitus is typically caused by factors like exposure to loud noises, aging, or underlying ear conditions. Understanding this distinction is important for diagnosing and addressing cervical tinnitus effectively within the context of ear health and overall well-being.

Get advice from a tinnitus specialist Book an appointment online

What are the causes of cervical tinnitus?

Cervical tinnitus can be attributed to several underlying factors related to the cervical spine and its impact on the nervous system and auditory pathways.

Cervical spine disorders

Cervical tinnitus often occurs in conjunction with cervical spine disorders, such as arthritis or disc degeneration. These conditions can lead to structural changes in the cervical vertebrae, causing compression or irritation of nerves that innervate both the neck and the ears.

Connection between cervical issues and ear symptom

The close proximity of the cervical spine to the nerves responsible for auditory function can explain why cervical issues can manifest as ear-related symptoms, including tinnitus. When there are abnormalities or degenerative changes in the cervical spine, the associated nerves may transmit abnormal signals to the brain, leading to the perception of tinnitus sounds.

Role of nerve compression

Nerve compression in the cervical spine can play a significant role in triggering cervical tinnitus. Compression of nerves that originate from the cervical region and extend towards the ears can disrupt normal sensory processing, resulting in phantom ringing or buzzing sensations in the ears. This phenomenon underscores the intricate interplay between cervical spine health and auditory perception.

Consult a tinnitus specialist

If you suspect you may be suffering from tinnitus, get a free, no-obligation consultation with a tinnitus specialist at Amplifon. Our hearing care professionals will arrange all further examinations, if necessary, to find the right treatment for you.

Can neck problems cause ringing in the ears?

Yes, it can. Also known as cervical tinnitus, whistles and ringing perceived in the ear in conjunction with the emergence of cervical pain and neck problems.

Connection between tensions in the neck & tinnitus

It is common for patients to experience tinnitus together with neck tensions as a result of an incorrect posture, lifting heavy loads or sudden twisting movements. This tension in the cervical spine can affect the function of the cranial nerves and trigger a ringing in the ears.

The ringing in the ears is often caused by the tension of active muscles in the cervical spine (Musculus splenio capitis and Musculus semispinalis capitis) pressing on nerves. When this occurs, the nerve groups responsible for hearing (cochlear nucleus or "snail nucleus") send signals to the brain and the brain reacts to this overstimulation of the nerve groups with hyperactivity, which can trigger the tinnitus. These symptoms can also be accompanied by a feeling of dizziness.

Another explanation for neck tensions and tinnitus could be due to poor circulation to the cranial nerves as result of a muscle tension which constricts the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the cranial nerve.

Can a tight neck cause pulsatile tinnitus?

Yes, it can. Pulsatile tinnitus, characterised by rhythmic pulsing noises in one or both ears that synchronise with the heartbeat, may be associated with muscle tension in the neck. This type of tinnitus occurs when large blood vessels, such as the carotid artery, are constricted due to neck muscle tightness or tension.

The rhythmic throbbing or noise experienced with pulsatile tinnitus corresponds to the patient's heartbeat. When the heartbeat speeds up, the thumping or murmuring in the ears also accelerates; conversely, if the heartbeat slows down, the pulsing sound decreases in speed.

If you're experiencing persistent throbbing noises in your ears, especially synchronised with your heartbeat, it's important to seek medical advice. Healthcare professionals can assess and address potential underlying causes, including neck muscle tension or vascular issues affecting blood flow to the ears. Timely evaluation and appropriate treatment can effectively manage pulsatile tinnitus.

Get a free consultation

The hearing care professionals at Amplifon are happy to help you find the best hearing solution for you. They will tell you everything you need to know about the features and help you with the fit of your future hearing aid.

Book an appointment
woman holding a hearing aid at Amplifon

Treatments for cervical tinnitus

According to medical research, there has always been a connection between distortions and traumas affecting the head and neck and tinnitus. The best way to find out the root cause of tinnitus is by visiting a specialist that can examine your hearing and determine what type of tinnitus is present and how it can best be treated. However, there are a number of treatements that can be done at home that can ease these symptoms. 

Neck exercises for tinnitus

To help tinnitus subside, special neck exercises and appropriate physiotherapy can be performed to relieve tension in the ear and help keep the muscles relaxed. However, we recommend discussing the exact details of your symptoms with a specialist or with your family doctor to find the best treatment.

Neck massages against tinnitus

Ohysiotherapy and trigger points massages on the neck can help reduce stress and accumulated tension by relieving the tension on the muscles and reducing the pressure on certain nerves of the cervical spine. However, before taking matters into your own hands, it is best to consult an expert first, as the wrong exercises could make the symptoms even worse.

Sound enrichment therapy

Tinnitus caused by neck tension or objective tinnitus generally subsides once the underlying cause has been identified and treated. Sound-enrichment aids can be used to bridge this transitional phase. 

Sound enrichment therapy helps to reduce the volume of the tinnitus by stimulating the hearing steadily and emiting nature-based sounds, such as the sound of a stream or waterfall or the sound of rain, as continuously as possible. In some cases, they can even make the ringing in the ears disappear completely.

Another treatment option is a tinnitus masker, an electronic hearing aid device that generates and emits broad-band or narrow-band noise at low levels. These hearing aids produce a sound that acoustically masks the sound of the tinnitus. Discover Amplifon's product range of hearing aids and get advice, how such a hearing aid could help in your case.

Concerned about tinnitus? Book a hearing test now

Preventive measures for cervical tinnitus

To reduce the risk of developing cervical tinnitus, consider these preventive measures:

  • Maintain good posture: Keep your spine aligned by sitting and standing with shoulders relaxed and head upright. Avoid slouching or hunching over.
  • Engage in regular exercise: Incorporate neck-strengthening exercises and overall fitness activities like yoga or pilates to support spine health and reduce strain.
  • Minimise neck strain: Take breaks from prolonged screen use, and avoid repetitive or abrupt neck movements that can strain muscles.
  • Use ergonomic workstations: Set up your workstation ergonomically with proper chair height and monitor position to support good posture.
  • Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce muscle tension and stress-related neck issues.
  • Avoid sudden neck movements: Be mindful during physical activities to prevent jerking or excessive twisting of the neck.

Incorporating these habits into your daily life can promote cervical spine health and help prevent cervical tinnitus. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent neck discomfort or tinnitus symptoms for personalised advice.

Get advice from a tinnitus specialist

Free. Without obligation. Near you.

Are you experiencing ringing in your ears? Then come to one of Amplifon's clinics in Australia and receive advice by one of our tinnitus specialists. We will support you in choosing the best treatment method for your individual case. 

Book an appointment online

Have a look at our related contents

Learn more on how your hearing works, thanks to our experts contents. You can also have a look at our blog, with our lates news. 

Get support and advice

Request an appointment

Book now

Take an online hearing test

Take the test

Find a clinic near you

Find a clinic