Can a Cold Cause Ringing in Your Ears?
November 6, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
A common cold itself does not typically cause ringing in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus. However, tinnitus can be indirectly related to a cold due to a few factors:
- Congestion and Ear Pressure: A cold can lead to nasal congestion and sinus congestion. This congestion can affect the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When these tubes become blocked, it can lead to a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears. This pressure can sometimes trigger or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ear Infections: Cold symptoms, particularly in children, can sometimes progress to ear infections, such as otitis media. Ear infections can cause discomfort, ear pain, and, in some cases, tinnitus.
- Stress and Anxiety: Having a cold can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience, and the accompanying stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus in some individuals. Stress is known to be a common trigger for tinnitus or can make existing tinnitus more noticeable.
- Medications: Some over-the-counter cold medications or prescription drugs used to manage cold symptoms may have tinnitus as a potential side effect. If you notice tinnitus while taking medication for a cold, consult your healthcare provider.
It’s important to note that tinnitus can have various causes, and it may occur for reasons unrelated to a cold. Tinnitus can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage, and other factors. If you experience persistent or bothersome tinnitus, especially if it is not linked to a cold or clears up after the cold resolves, it’s advisable to consult with an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and managing tinnitus. They can help identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment or strategies to manage tinnitus.