Tinnitus, the perception of sound where none is present, is a frequent symptom accompanying common respiratory illnesses like a cold, flu, or sinus infection. This internal sound, often described as ringing, buzzing, humming, or roaring, is usually temporary. It is a side effect of the body’s inflammatory response to the infection, affecting the delicate structures of the ear and surrounding passages.
The Mechanical Connection Between Illness and Ringing
The most common reason for temporary tinnitus during a cold is a mechanical issue arising from Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, functioning to equalize pressure and drain fluid. When a respiratory illness causes inflammation and excess mucus, the mucosal lining of this tube swells, causing it to become partially or completely blocked.
This blockage prevents pressure equalization between the middle ear and the environment. As the body absorbs the air trapped in the middle ear, negative pressure builds behind the eardrum, leading to a feeling of fullness or a plugged sensation. This pressure imbalance directly causes the perception of tinnitus because the middle ear cannot vibrate correctly to transmit sound.
In some cases, negative pressure causes the middle ear cavity to fill with fluid, a condition known as otitis media with effusion. This fluid accumulation muffles external sounds and can intensify the internal ringing. Swelling and congestion of the adjacent nasal passages and sinuses also contribute by placing direct pressure on the Eustachian tubes, exacerbating the dysfunction and the resulting tinnitus.
Ototoxic Medications and Other Systemic Triggers
Certain medications frequently taken to treat illness can trigger or worsen tinnitus, a phenomenon known as ototoxicity. Common over-the-counter pain relievers, specifically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and high doses of aspirin, can temporarily affect the inner ear. These medications interfere with the function of the delicate hair cells in the cochlea, which convert sound vibrations into nerve signals for the brain.
Decongestants, which are widely used to clear nasal congestion, may also play a role in temporary tinnitus. Drugs containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can sometimes constrict blood vessels, including those supplying the cochlea. This reduction in blood flow can briefly disrupt the inner ear’s normal function or alter its fluid balance, leading to the perception of ringing.
A high fever or significant dehydration can impact the body’s circulation, including the micro-circulation within the inner ear’s structures. Disruption to this blood flow or change in the body’s overall fluid chemistry can temporarily stress the auditory system. This creates a transient spike in tinnitus perception until the body’s balance is restored.
When to Expect Relief and When to Seek Medical Attention
Tinnitus caused by a respiratory illness is expected to resolve completely once the underlying infection and inflammation have cleared, typically within a few days to a week after cold symptoms subside. While waiting for the body to recover, several at-home strategies can help manage the discomfort. Simple measures like steam inhalation or using a bedside humidifier reduce nasal congestion and inflammation, encouraging the Eustachian tubes to open and drain.
Gentle exercises, such as slow jaw stretches or swallowing while yawning, can help activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, promoting pressure equalization. Avoiding complete silence by using low-level background noise, such as a fan or a dedicated sound machine, can help mask the ringing and make the symptom less noticeable and disruptive, particularly during sleep.
While most illness-related tinnitus is harmless, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical consultation. Seek professional attention if the ringing persists for more than one week after you have fully recovered, or if it is accompanied by sudden hearing loss in one ear. Other concerning signs include severe ear pain, discharge from the ear, or the onset of dizziness or vertigo.
Tinnitus that only affects one ear or a ringing sensation that pulses rhythmically with your heartbeat should also be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider. These signs can indicate a more serious, non-infectious underlying issue that requires a professional diagnosis to rule out conditions beyond a common cold or flu.