Tinnitus for 3 Weeks After Sinus Infection

[E. B.]

Dear forum,

I have been starting to hear a loud, high-pitched ringing in my ears, which I find to be very strange, considering my age (15). I can offer a chronological set of events that led me to this forum, and what I have been going through at the moment.

Initially, when I went to bed on the 7th of April (3 weeks ago), I began to hear a high-pitched, sine wave-like noise (like the high-pitched noise that one would hear at the doctor for hearing tests) of moderate volume, which concerned me. I first heard it in my left ear (which was the ear that I slept on), although at that time, the left side of my nose was a bit stuffy, as I only began to slightly exhibit symptoms of the cold (such as a sore throat that was only noticeable for 10-20 minutes). I still heard my tinnitus even when my nose wasn't far too clogged, and eventually, the ringing became a slight annoyance in my everyday life (such as when I cover my ears in a loud area or sit in a quiet or almost silent place). It was much less noticeable during the second week, although I could still hear it with my noise-cancelling headphones on (which was when I had a break from school). This also made me wonder if the stress from school may have also been contributing to my tinnitus. During the third week, it had returned with a bit less intensity, as I have also been noticing ear pressure in the ear/ears that I have been experiencing tinnitus. This ear pressure is only really noticeable when I am in a quiet place, oddly enough.

In addition, on the night of the inception of my tinnitus, I was listening to fairly loud piano music on my noise-cancelling headphones, which also worries me a bit. From then on, I have been listening to quieter music in order to possibly assuage the tinnitus over time. Although I see a large correlation between the side of my nose that is clogged and the ear that is primarily ringing, I still feel like I might be developing hearing loss or some other type of hearing problem due to the fact that I am experiencing tinnitus. On the other hand, with about 50% volume on my computer, I can comfortably hear 18400-19000 Hz (which is considered normal for my age). However, there are in fact times when I do not hear my tinnitus at all (like when my nose is unclogged after a day outside), but it usually returns after I notice that it is gone, generally being 2 minutes after or so. Furthermore, I have dealt with problems outside of that throughout the course of my life (such as the sensation in which I can hear my breathing being louder or more noticeable than normal on one side), or an abnormal ear pressure after yawning or being in an elevator, which also slightly worries me, considering how ETD may be the cause. Overall, I do find my tinnitus to be a very strange occurrence, and I really hope that it isn't some sort of hearing loss (which I would despise, considering that I am also a musician) or some type of lifelong tinnitus. Thank you for your attention!

 

[billie48]

Welcome to the forum. If you can have silent periods when your sinus is unclogged, it is likely your tinnitus is caused by sinus infection. But can't rule out other factors are at play too, such as ETD and you being a musician exposing to loud music often. Have you seen an ENT on your sinus problem yet? Wishing you well, take care. God bless.

 

[E. B.]

I have not seen an ENT specialist for my tinnitus yet, although I plan on seeing one eventually (otolaryngologist). In fact, this is the first time that I have experienced long-term tinnitus from a sinus infection, which confuses me. I am also a bit puzzled by the fact that the tinnitus is in both ears, even when only one side of my nose is clogged, as the tinnitus would manifest itself especially in almost-silent environments at times, even when my nose wouldn't be so clogged. However, for the past few days, it has only been a mild difficulty to adjust the pressure of my ears compared to when I was originally sick.

Also, thank you for the positive remarks! I feel a little less worried about my tinnitus as a result.

 

[dellwas]

I have not seen an ENT specialist for my tinnitus yet, although I plan on seeing one eventually (otolaryngologist). In fact, this is the first time that I have experienced long-term tinnitus from a sinus infection, which confuses me. I am also a bit puzzled by the fact that the tinnitus is in both ears, even when only one side of my nose is clogged, as the tinnitus would manifest itself especially in almost-silent environments at times, even when my nose wouldn't be so clogged. However, for the past few days, it has only been a mild difficulty to adjust the pressure of my ears compared to when I was originally sick.

Also, thank you for the positive remarks! I feel a little less worried about my tinnitus as a result.

I have confirmed ETD. The T. is primarily in my left ear, but earlier on it would switch back and forth, and would sometimes be in both ears. In the last month it has been in the left ear only.

 

[billie48]

Tinnitus can be quite unpredictable especially a relatively new T. It can morph into different symptoms like jumping ears, multi tones, switching tones, ear fullness, etc. So don't worry too much on it. Focusing on the positives will help to prevent too much anxiety and stress build up which can aggravate T. Your T is probably milder type as it has already silent periods, and it seems to be linked to sinus infection or ETD which are fixable. Once the main cause is fixed, your T may just fade or subside. So keep positive and calm, and seek treatment from an ENT as soon as possible.

 

[E. B.]

Update:
When my nose was not clogged, I tried to relieve my ear pressure by placing my fingers inside my ear and gently moving my fingers back and forth. This helped to relieve pressure as well as my tinnitus (as I could barely hear my tinnitus at that time), although when my stuffy nose came a few minutes later, I heard the tinnitus again. I do not know if this is simply correlation or maybe if it is causation, but it leads me to believe that since there is pressure in my ears (which I usually cannot notice), that could be causing my tinnitus. However, before I go to an ENT doctor, I would like to know the following: Why is it that my tinnitus just popped up from my latest sinus infection? Could it be simply a coincidence, could it be ETD (considering the ear pressure), or is it possibly something more serious (such as hearing damage)? Thank you in advance.

 

[glynis]

It could be down to seasonal allergies that cause extra mucus in your tubes.

love glynis

 

[billie48]

If your ET is blocked, you can do a simple maneuver designed by a doctor. Search YouTube with keywords like Eustachian tube drainage and you will see that video. Good luck. God bless.

 

[E. B.]

I do not have any diagnosed allergies, but I believe that my sinus infection may have caused allergy-like symptoms that ended up inflaming my Eustachian tubes, which I believe may be the case.

As for ET drainage, I'd have to say that the technique has actually made my tinnitus quieter, as I have been experiencing more silent periods as a result (although it does intensify when I listen to music with headphones).

Overall, I'd have to say, thanks a bunch for helping me with my tinnitus! It has been easier to cope with before my ENT appointment now that I can ascertain that the T may as well be caused by sinus infection/tube issues.

God bless!

 

[Lane]

I have been experiencing more silent periods as a result (although it does intensify when I listen to music with headphones).

@E. B. -- Most people on this forum believe headphones should be avoided like the plague, at least for the first few months after tinnitus onset. You may want to reconsider your use of them, especially since it exacerbates your tinnitus. Your ears right now need all the TLC you can give them; headphone use does not qualify. Sorry to be the bearer of this news, but thought you should know. -- Best...

 

[cry_of_the_w1nd]

hey you should get a CT scan. im on month 4 of this stupid chronic sinus infection and month 3 of tinnitus, I just got a balloon sinuplasty(minimally invasive sinus dilation procedure) done yesterday. My swelling was pretty bad the doc had to really try to get in there but now that the passage is opened my immune system should be able to start healing the inflammation. Wish the results were immediate but for inflammation it take weeks to feel a difference so heres to a few more weeks of poop :I. I'll try to give an update in 2-3 weeks. you should get a CT scan though, and do saline rinses!

 

[Lane]

I just got a balloon sinuplasty(minimally invasive sinus dilation procedure) done yesterday.

@cry_of_the_w1nd -- I had this done many years ago, and experienced improved sinus function. I've been hesitant to do it again since getting tinnitus, unsure of whether it might exacerbate it. But I'm getting more comfortable with trying it again. I hope your procedure gives you great results. When I first had it done, it took about a week for my sinuses to calm down from the trauma of the procedure. So that might be a time frame for you to keep in mind.