When a flu infection strikes, it often brings more than just body aches and coughs; it can also cause the strange sensation of ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present, often described as a buzzing, ringing, or hissing noise. Experiencing this symptom during or after a flu is common and is usually a temporary side effect of the body’s immune response to the virus. The ringing typically subsides as the primary flu symptoms clear up, indicating it is a direct result of temporary physical changes caused by the infection.
The Role of Swelling and Middle Ear Pressure
The primary physical mechanism linking the flu to ear ringing involves the inflammation caused by the viral infection. The flu virus triggers swelling in the mucosal linings of the nose, throat, and nasopharynx, which are all connected structures. This swelling directly affects the function of the Eustachian tube, a small passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat.
The Eustachian tube’s job is to equalize air pressure and drain any fluid that accumulates in the middle ear. When the tissues around the tube become inflamed due to the flu, the tube can become blocked or stop opening properly, a condition called Eustachian tube dysfunction. This prevents the middle ear from ventilating and equalizing pressure, creating a vacuum or a buildup of air and fluid behind the eardrum.
This pressure imbalance disrupts the delicate mechanics of hearing, often leading to a muffled feeling, temporary hearing loss, and the perception of sound (tinnitus). The resulting sound can be described as a thumping, roaring, or clicking noise, which occurs until the inflammation subsides and the Eustachian tube resumes its normal function. Direct inflammation of the auditory nerve itself by the virus is also a possible, though less common, contributing factor.
Secondary Contributors to Ear Ringing
Other systemic factors associated with the flu can exacerbate or trigger tinnitus. Many people take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage fever and body aches, but certain medications can have a temporary negative effect on hearing. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, especially when taken at high doses, are considered ototoxic.
These medications can temporarily induce or worsen tinnitus, sometimes by affecting blood flow to the cochlea, the inner ear structure responsible for sound processing. The temporary hearing effects often resolve once the medication is stopped or the dosage is reduced.
A high fever, which is common with the flu, can impact the delicate balance of fluids in the inner ear, potentially contributing to the onset of ringing. Dehydration may also play a role in altering the fluid balance within the inner ear’s fluid-filled chambers. Maintaining proper hydration is important for overall recovery, and fluctuations in body fluid levels can influence the severity of tinnitus symptoms.
Managing Ear Ringing During Illness
While the primary treatment for flu-related tinnitus is waiting for the underlying infection to clear, several self-care strategies can help manage the temporary discomfort. To encourage the Eustachian tubes to open and drain, simple actions like chewing gum, yawning, and gently swallowing can be effective. Steam inhalation, such as leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel over the head, can also help reduce congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages, which indirectly relieves middle ear pressure.
Staying consistently hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids supports the body’s overall recovery and may help normalize inner ear fluid levels. To psychologically manage the noise, especially when trying to sleep, using soft background sound can help mask the ringing. A fan, a white-noise machine, or quiet music can provide a soothing auditory environment that makes the internal sound less noticeable.
When to Consult a Doctor
Flu-related tinnitus is usually a passing symptom, but certain “red flags” indicate that the ringing may be a sign of a more serious issue requiring professional attention. You should consult a healthcare provider if the ringing persists for more than a week or two after your flu symptoms have completely resolved. If the tinnitus is accompanied by significant, sudden hearing loss, it is important to seek medical help immediately, as this may be a medical emergency.
A doctor’s evaluation is also warranted if the ringing occurs only in one ear, known as unilateral tinnitus, which may be a sign of a specific ear-related problem. These symptoms suggest the possibility of an unresolved ear infection or another underlying condition that needs diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms Requiring Medical Evaluation
- The ringing occurs only in one ear (unilateral tinnitus).
- Severe ear pain.
- Dizziness.
- A rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sound synchronized with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus).