Understanding the Link Between Upper Respiratory Infections and Tinnitus
Cold weather often brings a variety of illnesses, some of which can cause unusual symptoms that can be hard to explain. The most basic form of illness during the winter is a run-of-the-mill cold. This can have many effects on hearing, smell, and taste that disrupt your daily life. An upper respiratory infection, which can linger after a cold, sometimes leads to a condition called Tinnitus.
What is the Cause of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition that may cause ringing in the ears, especially in cold weather. Symptoms include a dull roar, hiss, or clicking in the ears. Younger people may not notice severe symptoms, but for older individuals, tinnitus can worsen their declining hearing and make it more difficult to manage.
Additionally, Tinnitus can worsen pre-existing conditions such as physical ear injuries or early-onset hearing loss. Everyone experiences Tinnitus differently and at different severity levels. However, it is frustrating and can be painful at any level.
How Can I Get Tinnitus from Upper Respiratory Infections?
An upper respiratory infection after or with a cold, can often affect your ears, nose, and throat. This can be damaging enough to cause Tinnitus. Blockage or infection caused by your cold can increase pressure in these cavities, which could also cause Tinnitus.
Ways to Prevent Tinnitus
Below are a few ways that will not only protect you from catching a bad cold but also reduce the likelihood of developing Tinnitus:
Wear Warm Clothes
This may seem basic, but the best way to protect yourself from winter weather is to bundle up when you go outside. A severe cold only needs a small amount of time to infect you, and you may not even know you have a cold until you are bedridden.
Clean Your Ears from Blockage
The cold may increase the blockage in your ears, which can come from earwax. This blockage will significantly increase the pressure in your ears, which can turn into Tinnitus. You may want to do a thorough cleaning every day, so wax build-up will not contribute to the possibility of Tinnitus.
If you have more questions or are looking to schedule a hearing test, our team can help. Contact a specialist at Beltone Skoric Hearing Aid Center. Options are available to help treat tinnitus caused by upper respiratory infections. Speak to our team today to learn how we can help.
