Tinnitus is the perception of a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound when no external noise is present. This auditory sensation is a common symptom reported by people suffering from a cold or other upper respiratory infections. Tinnitus that occurs alongside a cold is usually a temporary condition that resolves naturally as the underlying illness clears up. The noise in your ears is directly related to the mechanisms that regulate pressure within the ear structures.
How Colds Affect Ear Pressure and Sound
The sensation of ear ringing and pressure during a cold is mainly due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of your throat and the nasal cavity. Its primary function is to equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and to drain fluid from the middle ear.
When you have a cold, the inflammation and swelling caused by the viral infection extend into the nasal passages and throat, which can block the opening of the Eustachian tube. This blockage prevents the tube from opening properly, meaning the air pressure inside the middle ear cannot be equalized with the outside air pressure.
The resulting pressure difference, often negative pressure, causes the eardrum to become stiff or retracted, muffling external sound. This temporary disruption is a form of conductive hearing issue. The resulting pressure and fluid buildup can irritate the sensitive structures of the middle ear, triggering the perception of ringing, hissing, or popping sounds. Cold-related tinnitus is transient and fades once the congestion and inflammation subside, allowing the Eustachian tube to function normally again.
Simple Ways to Relieve Ear Ringing
To manage the discomfort and noise, several non-medical techniques focus on encouraging the Eustachian tube to open and equalize pressure. Simple actions like yawning widely, chewing gum, or swallowing repeatedly activate the tiny muscles that control the tube’s opening. Using these muscles helps to restore the natural pressure balance in the middle ear.
A controlled breathing technique known as the Valsalva maneuver can also be effective for gentle pressure equalization. To perform this, take a deep breath, pinch your nostrils shut, and gently try to blow air out through your nose while keeping your mouth closed. This creates mild pressure that may “pop” the ear open, but blow very lightly to avoid damaging the eardrum.
Addressing the underlying congestion with over-the-counter (OTC) products can also provide relief. Using a nasal saline rinse or inhaling steam helps to thin the mucus and reduce swelling in the nasal linings that surround the Eustachian tube opening. Oral decongestants may also assist by reducing the inflammation causing the tube’s blockage, though they should be used according to package directions.
When to Consult a Doctor About Tinnitus
While ringing in the ears during a cold is common and generally resolves, certain symptoms warrant a professional medical evaluation. If the tinnitus persists for more than a week or two after your cold symptoms have completely disappeared, seek attention from a healthcare provider. Ongoing tinnitus could indicate that fluid remains trapped in the middle ear, potentially leading to a more persistent issue.
You should seek medical attention promptly if the ringing is accompanied by severe ear pain, a high fever, or any discharge from the ear canal. These symptoms may suggest the development of a secondary bacterial infection, such as otitis media, which requires specific treatment. It is also important to consult a doctor if the tinnitus is unilateral (meaning only in one ear) and is accompanied by a sudden, significant change in hearing.