Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, when no external source is present. It is a symptom of an underlying issue, not a disease itself. For many, a common cold or other upper respiratory infection can temporarily intensify these symptoms. The congestion and inflammation associated with a cold create an environment where the internal sound of tinnitus may become more noticeable. This worsening is typically temporary and resolves as the cold subsides.
How Respiratory Illnesses Affect Tinnitus
The primary reason a cold can worsen tinnitus relates to the pressure regulation system within the ear. The Eustachian tubes are small passageways that connect the middle ear to the upper throat and the back of the nasal cavity. These tubes must open regularly to equalize air pressure in the middle ear with the pressure outside the body.
During a respiratory infection, the mucous membranes throughout the nasal passages, throat, and Eustachian tubes become inflamed and swollen. This swelling, combined with increased mucus production, can block the narrow Eustachian tube, preventing proper drainage and pressure equalization. The resulting dysfunction is known as Eustachian tube dysfunction, which causes a feeling of fullness or pressure behind the eardrum.
This pressure imbalance alters the acoustic properties of the middle ear, which can make underlying tinnitus sound much louder. The presence of fluid or thick mucus in the middle ear, known as middle ear effusion, can also create a temporary conductive hearing loss. This muffling of external sounds reduces auditory masking, which is the brain’s ability to filter out the internal noise of tinnitus when exposed to environmental sounds.
When outside noises are muffled by fluid buildup, the tinnitus sound is no longer masked and seems to spike in intensity. Inflammation from the infection can also increase blood flow to the head and neck, which some people perceive as a low-pitched roaring or pulsing sound that syncs with their heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus). If the cold progresses to a middle ear infection (otitis media), the fluid and inflammation behind the eardrum will further intensify the pressure and discomfort. These temporary changes in the ear’s environment due to inflammation and congestion are the direct cause of the heightened auditory symptoms.
Relief Strategies for Tinnitus During a Cold
Several at-home strategies can help mitigate the pressure and congestion that contribute to temporary tinnitus worsening. Gentle techniques that encourage the Eustachian tubes to open and drain are often beneficial. Controlled yawning, chewing gum, and swallowing repeatedly can activate the muscles that help open these tubes.
You can also try simple jaw and neck exercises, such as slowly sliding the lower jaw side-to-side and forward-and-back, or performing gentle neck rotations and tilts. These movements can help loosen the muscles surrounding the tubes, promoting better drainage. Increasing the moisture in your nasal passages is also helpful, which can be achieved through steam inhalation from a shower or a bowl of hot water, or by using a humidifier.
Using a saline nasal spray can help reduce mucosal swelling in the nasal cavity, which may indirectly relieve pressure on the Eustachian tubes. When considering over-the-counter medications, use caution with certain options. High doses of common pain relievers like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, have been linked to temporary ototoxicity, or toxicity to the ear.
Decongestants may also pose a risk by constricting blood vessels, potentially reducing blood flow to the inner ear, which can cause or worsen tinnitus. Use these medications only when necessary and at the lowest effective dose. Staying well-hydrated also helps thin mucus and supports overall blood flow, and resting with your head elevated can assist in reducing sinus and middle ear pressure overnight.
When to Consult a Doctor
While tinnitus exacerbated by a cold is usually temporary, certain symptoms warrant a professional medical evaluation. If the ringing or buzzing persists long after the cold symptoms have resolved, typically after one to two weeks, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. This persistence suggests the underlying cause may not be simple congestion.
A medical consultation is necessary if the tinnitus is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include a sudden or significant loss of hearing, especially if it occurs in only one ear. Severe ear pain, discharge from the ear canal, or a high fever are signs that the infection may have spread and requires specific treatment, such as antibiotics. Any onset of vertigo or balance issues alongside the tinnitus should prompt immediate medical attention.