A sinus infection can cause a whooshing sound in the ears. This sensation arises from the connection between the nasal passages, sinuses, and the ears.
The Link Between Sinuses and Ears
The Eustachian tube, also known as the auditory tube, links the middle ear and the back of the nose (nasopharynx). This canal maintains equalized air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and facilitates fluid drainage from the middle ear. The tube remains closed, but opens during swallowing or yawning to equalize pressure.
When a sinus infection occurs, the lining of the sinuses and nasal passages can become inflamed and congested. This inflammation can extend to the Eustachian tube, causing it to swell or block. Such an obstruction prevents the tube from performing its normal functions, disrupting the pressure balance within the middle ear.
How Sinus Issues Cause Ear Sounds
A sinus infection can lead to ear sounds like whooshing. When the Eustachian tube is blocked by inflammation or excess mucus, air pressure in the middle ear cannot equalize with the outside environment. This pressure imbalance can create a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing, and it can also cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear.
The whooshing sound is often pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic sound that syncs with one’s heartbeat. This occurs because disturbed pressure or fluid buildup in the middle ear can make the sound of blood flowing through nearby vessels more noticeable. In some cases, patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tube remains abnormally open, can also lead to hearing bodily sounds like breathing or blood flow loudly.
Other Reasons For Ear Sounds
While sinus infections can cause ear sounds, a whooshing or similar sensation in the ears can stem from various other sources. Common non-sinus reasons include earwax accumulation, which can block the ear canal and affect hearing. Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located near the ear, can also manifest as ear sounds or discomfort.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is another factor that can lead to pulsatile tinnitus, as increased blood flow can create audible sounds in vessels near the ear. Certain medications can also have tinnitus as a side effect. Structural abnormalities within the middle ear or conditions like atherosclerosis, where plaque narrows arteries, may contribute to rhythmic ear sounds.
When To Seek Medical Advice
Consult a healthcare professional for ear sounds if the whooshing sound is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by severe ear pain. A fever exceeding 101°F (38.3°C) or lasting more than three to four days, along with ear symptoms, warrants attention.
Symptoms that do not improve after seven to ten days of self-care, or those that initially improve but then worsen, indicate a need for professional assessment. Seek immediate medical attention if there is facial swelling, a severe headache, vision changes (such as double vision or redness around the eyes), a stiff neck, bleeding from the ear, or dizziness. These symptoms could point to more serious underlying conditions.
Treatment and Relief
Addressing the underlying sinus infection is the main step in alleviating associated ear symptoms. Treatment for sinus infections often includes nasal corticosteroids (such as fluticasone or mometasone), which reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Decongestants, available as oral medications or nasal sprays, can also clear congestion, though nasal sprays should be used cautiously for short periods to avoid rebound congestion.
Saline rinses or nasal irrigation systems flush out mucus and irritants from the nasal passages, promoting drainage and reducing pressure. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics like amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate may be prescribed. For ear pressure and sounds, simple techniques such as yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can open the Eustachian tubes.
Applying warm compresses to the face or ear, or inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of water, can loosen mucus and provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can manage discomfort. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids aids in thinning mucus, supporting drainage from both the sinuses and the ears.