Resolved question:
I have had a sore throat, runny nose, and a slight ear ringing for the past couple of days. The ringing in my ears has really gotten worse. Is the ringing permanent or just part of the cold. Thank you, Lee.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
ENT Specialist
Hello Mr.Lee,
Thankyou for approaching DoctorSpring with your query.
The ringing in your ears will not be permanent. The cold would have triggered the ringing in your ears. Ringing in your ears can be as a result of a middle ear infection or build up of ear wax. Our ears, nose, throat are interconnected. The eustachian tube is a tube that has one opening in the middle ear and the other that opens and the back of the nostrils. Because of this connection it is very common for one to get a ear infection from a cold.
You can take an OTC anti allergic medication like Allegra once a day. I would also advise you to do steam inhalation twice a day - inhale through nose and exhale through mouth. Do not wet your ears (No swimming)
But if your cold has got better and the ringing sensation has not cleared, or as you said if the ringing sensation is getting worse I would advise you to visit an ENT specialist to take a look into your ear. Depending on the cause of the ringing sensation, appropriate treatment can be started. (In case if the symptoms persists ) If it is due to ear wax, you will require drops to soften the wax initially. If you have a middle ear infection, you may require a course of antibiotics.
I hope this has helped. Feel free to follow up with any query.
Thankyou.
Hello,
I thank you for your assurance that it will not be permanent. My cold is practically gone but the ringing in my ear persists. I went to see just a general doctor who said he could see all the way down my ear, not an infection. I have been taking a generic version of Benadryl with no success. Would you have any more suggestions before I see an ENT specialist? Thank you.
Hello and thankyou for your reply.
Since your cold is gone and the doctor said you have no infection your tinnitus is likely to clear in a day or two.
I would advise you to try the steam inhalation twice a day.
Inhale the steam through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
This should help you. If you find no relief, visit the ENT specialist for further examination of your ear.
Hope this has helped.
Thankyou