If you’re sick and suddenly notice ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears, you’re not alone. Ear ringing, known medically as tinnitus, is a common symptom during respiratory illnesses, including colds, flu, sinus infections, and other viral infections. While it can be alarming, ear ringing during illness is often temporary and linked to inflammation, pressure changes, or congestion in the ear and sinus passages. Understanding why tinnitus occurs when you’re sick can help ease concerns and guide you on when medical care may be needed.

For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week. Simply stop by during operating hours or plan your visit in advance below!

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How Illness Can Trigger Ear Ringing

When you’re sick, your body experiences widespread inflammation that affects more than just your throat or lungs. The ears are particularly sensitive to these changes, especially the middle ear and Eustachian tubes, which help regulate pressure and drain fluid from the ear. Inflammation or congestion in these areas can interfere with normal ear function, leading to pressure buildup and abnormal nerve signals that the brain interprets as ringing or buzzing.

Common Causes of Ear Ringing During Illness

Several illness-related factors can contribute to tinnitus, including:

• Sinus and Nasal Congestion: Congestion blocks normal airflow and drainage in the sinuses and Eustachian tubes. This pressure imbalance is one of the most common reasons for ear ringing while sick.
• Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear: Viral infections can cause fluid buildup to accumulate behind the eardrum. Even without a full ear infection, this fluid can disrupt hearing and cause ringing or muffled sounds.
• Fever and Inflammation: High fever and systemic inflammation can affect blood flow and nerve activity in the inner ear, contributing to temporary tinnitus. 
• Dehydration: Dehydration can reduce blood volume and affect circulation to the inner ear, sometimes triggering ringing or whooshing sounds.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications used during illness, such as high doses or aspirin or some antibiotics, can cause or worsen tinnitus, especially when taken frequently.

What Does Illness-Related Tinnitus Feel Like?

Ear ringing during illness can vary widely. People may experience:

• High-pitched ringing
• Buzzing or humming
• Clicking or pulsing sounds
• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear

Symptoms may worsen when lying down, swallowing, or during sudden changes in pressure.

Is Ear Ringing a Sign of an Ear Infection?

Not always. While ear infections can cause tinnitus, many sick individuals experience ear ringing without a bacterial infection. Viral inflammation alone can disrupt ear pressure and nerve signaling. However, ear ringing combined with ear pain, fever that won’t improve, or hearing loss may suggest an infection and should be evaluated.

In most cases, ear ringing resolves as congestion and inflammation improve. This may take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of illness. Persistent tinnitus after recovery may indicate lingering fluid or pressure issues.

When Should You Seek Urgent Care?

You should consider visiting urgent care if ear ringing:

• Lasts longer than 2 weeks
• Is accompanied by severe ear pain or drainage
• Causes noticeable hearing loss
• Occurs with dizziness, balance problems, or facial weakness
• Worsens instead of improving as illness resolves

Urgent care providers can examine the ears, evaluate for infection or fluid buildup, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Get Walk-In Illness Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer Today

Ear ringing while sick is usually caused by congestion, inflammation, pressure changes, or fluid buildup affecting the ears. While often temporary, tinnitus should be monitored, especially if it’s persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Visiting urgent care can help identify the cause and ensure proper treatment for faster relief and recovery. If you’re dealing with ear ringing, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer for the relief you need. The center is conveniently located at 777 E Speer Blvd. in Denver, CO. Just walk-in! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, contact us directly at (303) 733-4000.