The sensation of hearing sounds that seem to originate near the nose or nasal passages—described as a faint whisper, hiss, buzz, or click—is a subjective perception of noise not generated by an external source. While the sound may feel like it is coming from the nostrils, the actual origin lies in the highly interconnected systems of the ears and brain. This internal sound perception is closely linked to how the auditory system processes sound and manages pressure.
The Auditory System Connection: Tinnitus
The technical term for hearing a sound when no external sound is present is tinnitus, which is the likely source of the internal whispering sensation. Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom, representing a change in the neural activity within the auditory pathways of the brain. The perception of the sound is generated by the brain attempting to fill in missing auditory information, often due to a minor loss of hearing sensitivity.
Subjective tinnitus, which only the patient can hear, can manifest in a wide variety of ways, ranging from a low roar to a high-pitched whine, or even a soft, persistent clicking or whooshing noise. This sound is generally created by the auditory nerves and centers in the brain, not by any physical vibration in the nose or ear itself. The vast majority of internal sounds are subjective, meaning a doctor cannot hear them during an examination.
A small fraction of cases involve objective tinnitus, where the sound is loud enough for a physician to hear, often with a stethoscope. These rare sounds are mechanical and related to blood flow or muscle spasms within the ear or throat. For the common “whisper” sensation, the sound is an auditory illusion, a phantom noise generated by the central nervous system.
Why It Feels Nasal: Sinus Pressure and the Eustachian Tube
The reason an auditory sound is often localized to the nasal area lies in the intimate anatomical connection between the middle ear and the back of your nose and throat. The Eustachian tube, a narrow canal about 35 millimeters long, runs from the middle ear cavity to the nasopharynx. This tube’s primary functions are to equalize air pressure in the middle ear and drain fluid accumulation into the throat.
When the lining of the nasal passages or the sinuses becomes inflamed, the opening of the Eustachian tube can swell shut, a condition known as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This blockage prevents the middle ear pressure from balancing with the outside air pressure, causing the eardrum to become stretched and tense. A tense eardrum does not vibrate efficiently, resulting in a sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, or a “plugged” feeling that amplifies the perception of any underlying tinnitus.
The pressure changes and inflammation caused by nasal issues are transmitted directly to the middle ear space through the tube. Because the Eustachian tube’s opening is located near the nasal cavity, the resulting pressure imbalance and auditory disturbance are often mistakenly interpreted by the brain as originating from the nose or sinuses. This mislocalization explains why a problem rooted in the ear system feels closely tied to nasal congestion.
Common Triggers and Seeking Medical Guidance
Several common conditions can trigger the pressure imbalance that makes the internal sound seem to whisper from the nostrils. Acute or chronic inflammation from allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, is a frequent culprit because it causes swelling throughout the nasal and sinus linings. Upper respiratory infections, including the common cold or sinusitis, also lead to excess mucus and inflammation that can block the Eustachian tubes.
Rapid changes in external air pressure, such as those experienced during air travel or scuba diving, can also overwhelm the tube’s ability to equalize pressure, leading to temporary symptoms. In many cases, treating the underlying congestion, often with decongestants or nasal steroid sprays, can alleviate the pressure and quiet the internal sound.
Consult a healthcare provider, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, if the sound is only in one ear, is sudden, or is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or severe pain. Professional guidance is necessary to rule out less common causes. Addressing the root cause—whether infection, chronic allergy, or another auditory condition—is the most effective path to relief.