If you’re experiencing ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing sounds in your ears, you may be wondering what’s causing it, especially if it started during perimenopause or menopause. You’re not imagining it.
Tinnitus is increasingly recognized as a common menopause-related symptom, and for many women, hormonal changes play a significant role in triggering or worsening it. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our audiology team regularly works with women who are surprised to learn that their tinnitus is closely linked to hormonal transitions.
The good news? Menopause-related tinnitus is real, common, and treatable.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It may sound like:
- Ringing in the ears
- Buzzing or humming
- Hissing
- Clicking
- Pulsing or whooshing
Tinnitus itself is not a disease — it’s a symptom that reflects changes in how the auditory system and brain process sound. It can be mild or intrusive and is often more noticeable at night or in quiet environments.
Because tinnitus is often tied to subtle hearing or brain-processing changes, it may occur even when a person believes their hearing is “normal.”
Can Menopause Cause Tinnitus?
Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to the onset or worsening of tinnitus.
Estrogen and progesterone influence more than reproductive health. They also play a role in:
- Blood flow to the inner ear
- Neurotransmitters involved in sound processing
- How the brain filters and regulates sensory input
As hormone levels fluctuate or decline, the auditory system can become more reactive, making tinnitus more noticeable or louder. Many women report:
- New tinnitus beginning during menopause
- Existing tinnitus is becoming more intense during hormonal shifts
- Increased sound sensitivity
- Difficulty sleeping due to ear noise
The Connection Between Hormones, Hearing, and the Brain
Tinnitus is best understood as a brain-based response to changes in auditory input. Even mild or “hidden” hearing changes (which may not show up on basic screenings) can trigger tinnitus.
When sound signals aren’t transmitted clearly, the brain attempts to compensate. That compensation can be perceived as tinnitus.
Hormonal shifts may further affect the brain by:
- Reducing its ability to filter out unwanted noise
- Increasing auditory gain (how much the brain amplifies sound)
- Heightening the nervous system’s stress response
This helps explain why tinnitus often feels louder during menopause-related sleep disruption, anxiety, or fatigue.
Why Tinnitus Often Feels Worse at Night
Many women notice that tinnitus is more noticeable:
- At bedtime
- During periods of insomnia
- When stress levels are high
This doesn’t necessarily mean the tinnitus itself is worsening. At night, the brain has fewer distractions, making internal sounds more prominent. Sleep disturbances, which are common during menopause, can further exacerbate tinnitus perception.
Improving sleep quality and calming the nervous system are often key components of effective tinnitus care.
Is Menopause-Related Tinnitus Treatable?
Yes. While there is no single cure, tinnitus is highly manageable with evidence-based, neurologically informed care.
At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, tinnitus treatment focuses on:
- Identifying hearing or auditory processing changes
- Reducing the brain’s threat response to sound
- Supporting healthy sleep and nervous system regulation
- Retraining the brain to deprioritize tinnitus
A personalized tinnitus treatment plan may include:
- Comprehensive hearing and auditory evaluations
- Sound therapy
- Cognitive-based tinnitus management strategies
- Treatment of even mild hearing loss
- Education and counseling
Most patients experience meaningful improvement in how intrusive their tinnitus feels, often regaining restful sleep and improved concentration.
H.E.A.R. Method™ Tinnitus Relief Program
At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, tinnitus isn’t something you just “live with” — it’s something that can be actively managed through clinically supported care. Many patients find meaningful relief through the practice’s H.E.A.R. Method™ Tinnitus Relief Program, a structured treatment approach designed to medically assess and treat tinnitus rather than merely mask symptoms.
This program blends advanced prescriptive auditory technology, scientifically validated listening strategies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to provide comprehensive relief.
Key features include:
- A 7-Step Cognitive Screening & Diagnostic Evaluation to understand how tinnitus affects your brain and hearing
- Customized treatment planning with certified prescriptive technology
- Scientific verification of treatment outcomes
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): a science-backed approach proven to reduce the distress caused by tinnitus
- Ongoing expert care from audiologists trained in tinnitus management
The goal of the H.E.A.R. Method™ is to help your brain retrain how it perceives tinnitus, reduce its intrusiveness, and improve overall quality of life — including better sleep and concentration.
When Should You See a Tinnitus Specialist?
You should consider scheduling a tinnitus evaluation at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey if:
- Ringing or noise in your ears is persistent
- Symptoms began during perimenopause or menopause
- Tinnitus interferes with sleep or daily focus
- You were told your hearing is “normal,” but symptoms continue
- Stress or fatigue worsens the noise
You Don’t Have to Live With Ringing in Your Ears
Tinnitus during menopause is common, but it’s not something you have to accept as a normal part of aging. With the right diagnosis and treatment approach, the brain can learn to turn the volume down.
If you’re experiencing tinnitus and want answers, the expert team at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey is here to help. A comprehensive evaluation is the first step toward understanding what’s happening and finding relief.
Call us at (973) 577-4100 or schedule an appointment online today!
