The perception of sound in the ears or head, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, is a common, though often temporary, symptom that can accompany a systemic illness. When a person is sick, the body’s immune response creates inflammation that can directly affect the delicate mechanisms of the ear. This temporary ringing is frequently a side effect of the underlying condition or certain medications used for relief.
The Biological Mechanism Behind Temporary Tinnitus
The sensation of ringing is often a direct result of pressure changes in the middle ear, an air-filled space behind the eardrum. Normally, the Eustachian tube connects this middle ear space to the back of the throat and works to equalize air pressure. Illnesses trigger an immune response that causes inflammation and swelling in the mucous membranes lining the throat and nasal passages.
This swelling can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked, preventing it from opening properly to ventilate the middle ear. When the tube remains closed, the air inside the middle ear is gradually absorbed by the surrounding tissues, creating negative pressure. This pressure imbalance pulls on the eardrum, which affects the movement of the tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound to the inner ear.
The pressure disruption causes the auditory system to misinterpret signals, leading to the perception of sound. Negative pressure can also cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, a condition known as otitis media with effusion, which compounds hearing and pressure issues. This type of temporary tinnitus typically resolves once the inflammation subsides and the Eustachian tube regains its normal function.
Common Illnesses That Affect Ear Pressure
Conditions that cause significant congestion and swelling in the upper respiratory tract are the most frequent culprits for illness-related ear ringing. Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or the flu, lead to mucus production and inflammation. This swelling directly impacts the opening of the Eustachian tube, causing pressure issues in the middle ear.
Sinus infections also contribute because the sinuses are closely connected to the nasal passages and throat. The buildup of fluid and pressure within the sinus cavities can exacerbate the swelling around the Eustachian tube opening. Middle ear infections, or otitis media, involve fluid and infection directly in the middle ear space, creating significant pressure against the eardrum.
How Over-the-Counter Medications Can Cause Ringing
Not all temporary tinnitus during illness is due to fluid or pressure; some is a side effect of the medications used for treatment. A class of drugs known as ototoxic medications can damage the inner ear, and several common over-the-counter pain relievers fall into this category. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are known to cause tinnitus, especially when taken at high doses or for extended periods.
This drug-induced ringing is often dose-dependent; the severity of the tinnitus increases with the amount of medication taken. High doses of salicylates, the active component in aspirin, are well-documented for their potential to cause reversible hearing loss and tinnitus. The mechanism is thought to involve reduced blood flow to the cochlea, the inner ear organ responsible for hearing. This type of tinnitus is usually temporary and resolves shortly after the medication is stopped or the dosage is reduced.
When Ringing Requires Medical Attention
While temporary tinnitus associated with illness is common, certain symptoms suggest a more serious issue than a simple pressure imbalance. If the ringing persists for more than a week or two after the underlying infection has resolved, a medical evaluation is warranted. Persistent tinnitus could indicate a permanent change in the auditory system.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if the ringing is accompanied by sudden, noticeable hearing loss or severe vertigo and dizziness. Ringing that occurs only in one ear, known as unilateral tinnitus, requires prompt investigation by a physician or audiologist. These accompanying symptoms may point to conditions beyond a common cold, such as an issue with the inner ear or auditory nerve pathway.