Many women are surprised to discover that their ears ring for two to ten minutes after orgasm. This phenomenon is known as tinnitus. Broadly reached out to an ear, nose and throat surgeon for some theories on the relationship between sexual arousal and hearing loss.
Tinnitus is linked to changes in blood pressure, the inner ear, and autoimmune disorders like lupus. It can also be a side effect of some medications.
Causes
The cause of ringing in the ears after sex varies, but often it is related to an underlying medical condition. It may be caused by ear or sinus infections, high blood pressure, changes in the inner ear bones, hardening of the arteries, and head and neck injuries. It can also be a side effect of certain medicines including antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, and quinine-based medications.
Research shows that during sexual activity, hormones like oxytocin and dopamine can affect auditory nerve signaling in the brain. This can make the ear seem less sensitive to sound and can cause a person to lose their hearing for a few minutes after an orgasm.
Other causes of ringing in the ears include loud noises that can damage hearing, such as music concerts and sporting events, backfiring engines, and noisy machinery. Too much earwax can also be a problem. The body makes this gunky stuff to trap dirt and help prevent hearing loss, but if it builds up too much and blocks the ears, it can cause ringing. It can be removed gently by a doctor.
Other medical problems that can cause ringing in the ears include diabetes, fibromyalgia, and allergies. It is also linked to autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and to low vitamin levels. It is sometimes a side effect of certain cancer drugs.
Symptoms
While some people experience ringing in the ears after orgasm, it isn’t normal and shouldn’t be ignored. It is called tinnitus and is actually a reaction in the brain to hearing damage and can be a sign of many underlying health issues. It can also be a result of sinus infections, head and neck injuries, diabetes, and other conditions. It is also associated with high blood pressure, which can cause a change in the balance of fluids in your inner ears.
In most cases, tinnitus isn’t a serious condition and doesn’t require medical attention. However, if your tinnitus is severe and lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical help.
Other causes of tinnitus include allergies, sinus infections, low vitamin levels, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also been linked to changes in blood flow, which can reduce the amount of oxygen flowing to your inner ears and cause a ringing sound.
Tinnitus can also occur if there is a blockage in your ear canal, such as wax or a tumor. In these cases, the tinnitus is often a loud buzzing or ringing sound that can be difficult to hear over other noises. In these cases, removing the blockage can relieve the tinnitus. It can also be a side effect of some medications, including aspirin, diuretics, NSAIDs, and quinine-based drugs.
Treatment
For most people, ringing in the ears after orgasm is a harmless side effect of a pleasurable experience. However, for some, tinnitus can be distressing and interfere with their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several ways to alleviate the problem.
The first thing to do is try listening to calming or relaxing sounds or distracting yourself. This can help reduce the intensity of your tinnitus and may eliminate it altogether. If this doesn’t work, try seeing a doctor for more thorough treatment options.
In some cases, tinnitus can be caused by diseases or other conditions that affect your hearing and balance. If you have Meniere’s disease, for example, a disorder that causes abnormal fluid pressure in the inner ear, your tinnitus may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as hearing loss and dizziness. Other underlying conditions that can cause tinnitus include high blood pressure, diabetes, and blocked arteries.
If your tinnitus is accompanied by other signs of a more serious condition, it’s important to consult with your doctor right away. If your tinnitus is severe or interferes with your daily activities, you can get medical advice from an audiologist who can recommend a number of treatments that may help ease the discomfort and anxiety that can accompany this condition. Your audiologist will also work closely with other specialists, such as dentists and physical therapists to find the best solutions for you.
Prevention
Ringing in the ears is a frustrating experience. It’s not a disease or even an illness in and of itself, but it can be a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Loud noises are a common cause of ringing in the ears, but it can also be caused by certain medications or medical conditions like Meniere’s disease or hypertension. The ringing can also be caused by a build-up of earwax. Your body makes this gunky substance to trap dirt and protect your ear, but too much can lead to ringing in the ears and hearing loss. If you notice that your earwax is building up, visit your audiologist to have it removed.
Taking steps to avoid loud noises and using earplugs during sexual activity can help prevent ringing in the ears after sex. Practicing mindfulness and relaxing during sexual activity can also reduce the stress that may be contributing to your tinnitus symptoms.
There isn’t a lot of scientific evidence linking orgasm and ringing in the ears, but it is possible that your heart rate and blood pressure decrease during intercourse, causing a temporary reduction in the flow of blood to the inner ear that results in muffled hearing or a ringing sound. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help to relieve tinnitus symptoms.
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