Tinnitus After a Cold: Causes and Solutions

Q: Tinnitus After a Cold: Causes and Solutions

Hello： In response to your questions. <br>1. <br>The sequelae of otitis media. <br>2. <br>Eustachian tube obstruction may not necessarily present the symptoms you mentioned; generally, the effects of otitis media are more significant, often caused by a cold.

Tinnitus caused by a cold?

Two months ago, I had a cold and experienced severe coughing (yellow, thick, and sticky phlegm).
Eventually, the cough subsided, but I still felt phlegm in my throat and was unable to recover despite taking medication.
One night, I slept in a draft, and when I woke up in the morning, both of my ears felt clogged, and sounds seemed muffled, as if there was a barrier.
This sensation lasted for three days before disappearing, but then I started to have thick, yellow nasal discharge that I couldn't clear from my nostrils.
At the same time, I began to experience mild tinnitus (a ringing sound in my ears).
After taking antibiotics, the yellow nasal discharge cleared up, but the tinnitus became louder, and I occasionally felt a foreign body sensation in my throat.

Currently, I have the following symptoms:
1.
Increased nasal secretions compared to when I was healthy, with clear mucus that drips down my throat, causing constant throat clearing.
2.
Both ears have a high-frequency sound (similar to static from a TV channel with no signal), which surrounds my head.
I can hear it while watching TV or using the computer; it is quieter in the morning but returns after 20-30 minutes of being awake.
3.
My right ear has two types of high-pitched sounds (one high and one low) that are not noticeable in slightly noisy environments but are very prominent and loud before sleeping and after waking up.
4.
My ears are sensitive to external pressure (such as when riding in a car or elevator), feeling as if something is pressing inside my ears, and sometimes I feel a sensation of airflow within my ears.
5.
Recently, I occasionally hear sudden, high-pitched sounds in both ears that last for about five seconds before disappearing.
6.
The tinnitus becomes louder after the doctor clears my nasal passages and administers a steroid nasal spray.
My questions are:
1.
What could be causing the issues in my ears that lead to tinnitus?
2.
I have undergone hearing tests and tympanometry; aside from determining if my hearing is normal, what other conditions can these tests help rule out (such as middle ear effusion or Eustachian tube obstruction)?
3.
If the hearing tests and tympanometry show no issues, but I still have tinnitus, does that indicate there is still a problem with my ears? Are there more detailed examinations that can be performed?
4.
The doctor mentioned Eustachian tube dysfunction, but after researching, I found that there are no symptoms of ear fullness or autophony associated with it!

Miss Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/01/25

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your questions.
1.
The sequelae of otitis media.
2.
Eustachian tube obstruction may not necessarily present the symptoms you mentioned; generally, the effects of otitis media are more significant, often caused by a cold.

Reply Date: 2007/01/25

More Info

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be a frustrating and perplexing condition, especially when it follows a cold or respiratory infection. Your symptoms suggest a possible connection between your recent illness and the onset of tinnitus. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions for your situation.

Causes of Tinnitus After a Cold
1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: After a cold, it's common for the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, to become inflamed or blocked. This can lead to a sensation of fullness in the ears, muffled hearing, and potentially tinnitus. The pressure changes in the ear can create a ringing or buzzing sound.

2. Middle Ear Infections: If your cold was accompanied by significant nasal congestion, this could lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear, resulting in an infection (otitis media). This condition can also cause tinnitus and may require medical treatment.

3. Sinus Congestion: The thick, yellow nasal discharge you described could indicate sinusitis. Sinus congestion can affect the ears and lead to a sensation of pressure, muffled hearing, and tinnitus.

4. Auditory Nerve Irritation: Viral infections, including those that cause colds, can sometimes irritate the auditory nerve, leading to tinnitus. This is often temporary but can be distressing.

5. Changes in Hearing: The changes in your hearing, such as the perception of high-frequency sounds, could be related to temporary changes in the inner ear's function due to the cold or associated congestion.

Solutions and Management
1. Nasal Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion and may improve Eustachian tube function, potentially alleviating tinnitus.

2. Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help clear nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure. This may also help reduce the sensation of fullness in the ears.

3. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can thin mucus secretions, making it easier for your body to clear them from your sinuses and Eustachian tubes.

4. Avoiding Loud Noises: Protect your ears from loud environments, as exposure can exacerbate tinnitus.

5. Sound Therapy: Background noise or white noise machines can help mask the tinnitus, making it less noticeable.

6. Consultation with an Audiologist: Since you've already undergone hearing tests and tympanometry, consider seeing an audiologist for further evaluation. They can provide additional tests, such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, to assess the function of the inner ear and auditory pathways.

Understanding Your Test Results
1. Hearing Tests and Tympanometry: These tests assess your hearing ability and the function of the middle ear. Normal results suggest that significant issues like fluid in the middle ear or severe hearing loss are less likely. However, they do not rule out all forms of auditory dysfunction.

2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Your doctor’s diagnosis of Eustachian tube dysfunction aligns with your symptoms. This condition can cause the sensation of fullness and tinnitus, even if hearing tests are normal.

3. Further Evaluation: If tinnitus persists despite normal hearing tests, further evaluation may be warranted. This could include imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to rule out structural issues in the ear or brain.

Conclusion
In summary, your tinnitus following a cold is likely related to Eustachian tube dysfunction or residual effects of your respiratory illness. While it can be distressing, many cases resolve with time and appropriate management. If your symptoms persist or worsen, follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management options. Remember, tinnitus can be multifactorial, and addressing underlying conditions is key to finding relief.

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