Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present, often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sensation. While often a temporary annoyance, the question of whether sickness can trigger this sensation is common. Illness can affect the delicate auditory system directly through infection or indirectly through the side effects of medications used for treatment.
Understanding the Link Between Illness and Ear Symptoms
Common illnesses, such as colds, the flu, and sinus infections, frequently cause tinnitus through a direct physiological mechanism involving the middle ear. These respiratory infections trigger inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and throat, which can extend to the Eustachian tube. This narrow canal connects the middle ear to the upper throat, and its role is to equalize pressure and drain fluid.
Swelling from the infection causes the tube to become blocked or dysfunctional, a condition known as Eustachian tube dysfunction. When the tube cannot open properly, air pressure in the middle ear cannot equalize with the external environment. This pressure imbalance and fluid buildup alters the acoustic properties of the ear, leading to a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, and the onset of tinnitus.
This type of tinnitus is generally temporary and resolves once the underlying congestion and inflammation clear. Severe conditions like sinusitis or an ear infection can intensify the blockage and pressure, increasing the likelihood and severity of the ringing. Since Eustachian tube dysfunction can affect one or both sides, the resulting tinnitus may occur in a single ear.
Medications That Can Cause Temporary Ringing
Medications used for treatment can be another source of temporary tinnitus through a process called ototoxicity. Ototoxicity refers to the toxic effects certain chemicals have on the delicate structures of the inner ear, including the cochlea. These effects can manifest as hearing loss, balance issues, or tinnitus.
Several common over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs used to manage illness symptoms are known to have ototoxic potential. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen are examples, particularly when taken at high doses or over an extended period. For aspirin, high daily doses are known to cause temporary hearing loss and tinnitus.
The tinnitus caused by OTC pain relievers is often dose-dependent and typically reversible, subsiding once the medication is reduced or stopped. However, certain prescription antibiotics, specifically aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin or streptomycin), carry a higher risk of ototoxicity. These antibiotics are used for severe bacterial infections and can damage the sensory hair cells in the inner ear, sometimes leading to permanent changes.
When Tinnitus Requires Medical Attention
While sickness-related tinnitus is often transient, certain characteristics signal that the symptom requires medical evaluation. Tinnitus that lasts longer than a few days after the underlying illness has completely resolved should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Persistent or chronic tinnitus, defined as lasting six months or longer, warrants a comprehensive audiologic evaluation to identify any associated hearing changes. A sudden onset of severe tinnitus or any ringing accompanied by sudden hearing loss is considered an otologic emergency.
Immediate medical attention is needed for sudden sensorineural hearing loss, as prompt intervention is associated with improved hearing restoration outcomes. Tinnitus that affects only one ear (unilateral) is generally more likely to have an identifiable medical cause and should be evaluated.
Tinnitus that pulses or beats in time with the heartbeat, known as pulsatile tinnitus, requires investigation because it may indicate an underlying vascular issue. Other warning signs include tinnitus accompanied by dizziness, vertigo, or facial weakness. Seeking a clear diagnosis is the best course of action when tinnitus is bothersome, persistent, or accompanied by these other symptoms.