Flu Symptoms Can Include Ringing Ears and Hearing Loss

The Flu and Tinnitus (Ear Ringing)

The high fever, body aches, congestion and sore throat are some classic symptoms when a bout of influenza, commonly known as the flu strikes. However, there are other lesser-known symptoms that can develop including ear ringing and even temporary hearing loss.

What Causes Ear Ringing with the Flu?

Ear ringing, also referred to medically as tinnitus, affects almost 50 million Americans. Colds, flus, sinus infections, and even changes in barometric pressure can trigger temporary tinnitus symptoms.

When you get the flu, the high fever can place pressure on the inner ear causing fluid build-up. The ears can also become congested with mucus just like the nasal passages and sinuses when body attempts to battle the influenza virus.

This inflammation and fluid in the eustachian tubes and middle ear contributes to ear ringing, muffled hearing, and a “clogged up” sensation. The technical term for this is otitis media with effusion (OME).

Can the Flu Cause Permanent Hearing Loss?

In most cases, ear-related symptoms caused by the flu are temporary and hearing returns to normal after recovering. However, there are some rare cases of sensorineural hearing loss developing.

High fever from influenza can damage the cochlea, which is the auditory portion of the inner ear. When extreme fever causes coagulation in blood vessels supplying the cochlea, oxygen flow is impaired. This can destroy the microscopic hair cells responsible for sending sound messages to the brain.

Those with pre-existing hearing loss may be at increased risk for further permanent damage from fever and flu. However, the average healthy person recovers full hearing capability after the fever breaks and flu subsides.

Other Links Between Hearing Loss and Illness

While influenza is just one cause of short-lived ear-related issues and seldom leads to lasting hearing impairment, other viral and bacterial infections pose higher risks. Especially when left untreated.

Childhood illnesses like measles, mumps, scarlet fever, rubella, and even common ear infections can migrate from the outer ear to inner ear. The invading pathogens and sustained inflammation can destroy hearing cells in the cochlea.

Pneumonia, meningitis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and hepatitis are other illnesses tied to eventual hearing loss when they spread past the initial infection site.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Hearing Damage from Illness?

The very young and very old tend to suffer the most long-term hearing impairment from disease and infection. Just as the fever effect on hearing is more pronounced in those who already have age-related hearing decline.

Children born with certain genetic conditions like Down’s syndrome are also at heightened risk for lasting ear issues after a severe childhood illness. Impaired immune response allows the virus or bacteria to penetrate deeper into the ear structures.

Those with chronic diseases like diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s are more inclined to experience hearing loss and tinnitus after a viral infection.

Flu Prevention to Protect Hearing Health

While not everyone ends up with permanent ear damage or hearing loss in the wake of the flu, preventing the illness remains imperative. Especially for vulnerable populations.

Getting an annual flu vaccination is the best proactive step. Good hygiene like hand washing, covering coughs, proper diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction also help boost immune function against influenza.

At the first signs of flu symptoms like fever, fatigue, sore throat, and body aches, call your doctor right away. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started early to reduce severity and complications.

The Flu, COVID-19, and Hearing Loss Risks

Much like the seasonal flu, many people report temporary hearing changes and tinnitus after catching COVID-19. Even those with very mild or no symptoms at all.

Due to similarities between flu and COVID when it comes to triggering ear issues, scientists hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 may have the potential to cause lasting hearing damage through viral inflammation.

However, concrete data remains limited. Continued research analyzing long-term auditory effects post-COVID recovery is underway. Only time will tell the true impact on hearing cells.

Does the COVID Vaccine Cause Tinnitus?

Anecdotal reports describe the onset or worsening of tinnitus symptoms shortly after receiving a COVID vaccine. This caused worry that somehow the mRNA vaccines may lead to hearing loss or ear damage.

Currently, there is no clinical evidence directly linking tinnitus to the vaccine itself. Many scientists believe immune responses or spikes in anxiety after vaccination may serve as trigger events. But not necessarily that the vaccine harms ears.

For most people reporting post-vaccine ear ringing and hearing changes, the issues gradually resolve on their own after days or weeks. Those with pre-existing tinnitus also commonly experience periodic symptom spikes due to stress.

Coping with Ear Issues During & After Illness

While ear-related symptoms from flu are usually temporary, they still cause discomfort and frustration. Especially when trying to rest while ears ring or pound with muffled hearing.

If fever or congestion persists beyond a few days or you experience vertigo, vision changes, or intense headaches, call your doctor. You may need ear drops, medication, or other intervention to prevent secondary infections and complications.

Over-the-Counter Medications

For mild congestion and ear troubles, over-the-counter medications help ease discomfort:

• Decongestant sprays and pills
• Antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec
• Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
• Cough suppressants
• Oral decongestants like Sudafed
• Saline nasal irrigation

Home Remedies

In addition to medicine cabinet staples, some home remedies help provide a little relief:

• Placing warm compresses over the ears
• Sleeping on your side with the clogged ear down
• Over-the-counter ear drops to break up wax when congested
• A warm shower to loosen mucus
• Hydration to thin out excessive mucus
• Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender
• Ginger, garlic, vitamin C, zinc, and anti-inflammatory foods

Pay attention to symptoms during recovery. If ear pain becomes severe or hearing loss persists beyond 1-2 weeks post-illness, promptly follow up with your physician for specialized care.

When to See an ENT Doctor

Most instances of ear ringing, muffled hearing, and ear pressure during and after flu or COVID can be managed with rest and basic home treatment. However, contact an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician if:

• Otitis media (ear infection) develops
• You experience vertigo, dizziness, or loss of balance
• Ear pain becomes severe
• Hearing does not return to normal after illness resolves
• Tinnitus or hearing changes worsen over time
• Fluid drainage from the ears occurs

A specialist can examine your ears with a scope to assess for infections, take a hearing test to establish a baseline, and determine if any lasting damage exists. You may need prescription ear drops, oral medication, or even surgical intervention depending on examination findings.

Long-Term Hearing Loss Management

Hopefully hearing returns fully after any virus, including the flu. But if some impairment remains, taking action helps preserve any hearing still intact. An ENT and audiologist help create a customized treatment plan that may entail:

• Hearing aids
• Cochlear implants
• Auditory training and speech therapy
• Learning sign language
• Routine hearing tests to monitor changes
• Medications and talk therapy for tinnitus

While the flu can certainly generate temporary hearing-related problems, research shows lasting damage is unlikely in otherwise healthy individuals. Still, precautions are warranted, especially for high-risk groups.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.