Can a cold cause transitory tinnitus?

Can a Cold Cause Transitory Tinnitus?

Yes, a common cold can cause transitory tinnitus through mechanisms related to congestion, inflammation, and pressure changes in the middle ear and Eustachian tube. 1

Mechanisms of Cold-Related Tinnitus

• The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) frequently produces rhinosinusitis with nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and postnasal drip that can affect the Eustachian tube function 1
• Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract can cause vasodilation and hypersecretion in the nasal passages, which may extend to affect the Eustachian tube and middle ear 1
• Involvement of the rhinopharynx during a cold may affect the orifice of the Eustachian tube, leading to symptoms including the sensation of blocked ears, dyacusis, and tinnitus 1

Clinical Presentation

• During a cold, patients may experience:
  • Nasal congestion/stuffiness (most common symptom) 1
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction leading to ear pressure/fullness 1
  • Transitory tinnitus as a result of middle ear pressure changes 1
  • The sensation of having a blocked ear 1

Associated Symptoms

• Common cold symptoms that may accompany tinnitus include:
  • Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea 1
  • Postnasal drip (PND) 1
  • Throat clearing 1
  • Sneezing 1
  • Cough 1
  • Ear pressure or fullness 1

Pathophysiology

• The mechanism connecting colds and tinnitus involves:
  • Direct irritation of upper airway structures 1
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction causing pressure changes in the middle ear 1
  • Inflammatory response triggered by viral infection 1
  • Possible increased sensitivity of afferent sensory nerves in the upper airway 1

Resolution

• Tinnitus associated with the common cold is typically transitory and resolves as the cold symptoms improve 1
• Treatment of the underlying cold symptoms may help alleviate the tinnitus 1

Management Options

• Decongestants may have a small positive effect on nasal congestion, potentially helping with Eustachian tube function 1
• Antihistamine-decongestant-analgesic combinations have shown some general benefit for cold symptoms in adults 1
• Nasal saline irrigation may help relieve symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections 1
• NSAIDs may help with pain and inflammation but do not significantly reduce total symptom score or duration of colds 1

Important Considerations

• If tinnitus persists beyond the resolution of cold symptoms, further evaluation may be warranted 2
• Persistent tinnitus (lasting more than 6 months) requires comprehensive audiologic evaluation 2
• Tinnitus that is unilateral, pulsatile, or associated with hearing loss should prompt further investigation 2

Differentiating from Other Causes

• While a cold can cause transitory tinnitus, it's important to distinguish this from other causes such as:
  • Medication-induced tinnitus (e.g., high-dose salicylates/aspirin) 3, 4
  • Noise-induced tinnitus 4
  • Age-related hearing loss with associated tinnitus 2, 4
  • Tinnitus related to other medical conditions 2