From the Guidelines
Yes, tinnitus can be caused by the flu, although it is a rare complication.
Causes of Tinnitus
In some cases, the flu can lead to ear infections, such as otitis media 1 or labyrinthitis, which can cause tinnitus.
- Otitis media is a well-recognized cause of ear infections and is reported in approximately 25% of patients aged <5 years with influenza 1.
- Additionally, certain medications used to treat the flu, such as high doses of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can also contribute to tinnitus.
Treatment and Management
If you are experiencing tinnitus after having the flu, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
- They may prescribe medications such as antiviral drugs like oseltamivir or zanamivir to treat the underlying flu infection 1.
- In some cases, medications like acetaminophen or steroids may be prescribed to help manage tinnitus symptoms. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and treatment duration to minimize potential side effects.
From the Research
Tinnitus and Influenza
- There are no research papers provided that directly link tinnitus to influenza as a cause 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The provided studies discuss various aspects of tinnitus, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, but do not mention influenza as a potential cause 2, 3, 4, 5.
- One study mentions that viral infections, including those related to respiratory viruses, may cause hearing loss and potentially tinnitus, but it specifically focuses on COVID-19, not influenza 6.
- Therefore, based on the provided evidence, it is unclear whether influenza can cause tinnitus, as there is no direct research on this topic 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.