Sinus infection and pain in the ear

Yes, It is possible because the sinuses and ears share an important drainage and ventilation network. When you breathe, swallow, or yawn, the Eustachian tube briefly opens to allow air into the middle ear. This simple action keeps pressure balanced on both sides of the eardrum.

During a sinus infection, inflammation in the nasal passages makes it more difficult for this tube to open properly. As a result, air gets trapped inside the ear, fluid can accumulate and pressure begins to rise. This is why sinus issues often show up as ear discomfort even when the ear itself isn’t infected.

Inflammation from a sinus infection causes the lining of the nose and sinus cavities to swell and produce thicker mucus. This swelling narrows the openings that help regulate pressure in the ears.

As the Eustachian tube becomes blocked, the middle ear loses its normal airflow and develops negative pressure. Over time, this imbalance can pull the eardrum inward, causing pain, dull hearing, and sometimes a “vacuum” sensation. This pressure imbalance is one of the key reasons sinus infections can feel worse when you bend down, lie on your side, or move your head suddenly.

When mucus becomes thick and sticky, it can accumulate near the openings of the Eustachian tube, essentially “plugging” the ear from the inside.

This leads to a sensation of blocked or clogged ears caused by sinuses. Trapped air and fluid can also distort sound, making voices and everyday noises seem muffled. In more severe cases, the blockage may persist long enough to cause temporary hearing reduction until inflammation improves.

Ear pain during a sinus infection is almost always linked to pressure changes in the middle ear. As mucus builds up and airflow decreases, the eardrum stretches under the pressure—leading to discomfort that may feel sharp, dull, or throbbing.

This pain may worsen:

• when lying down (due to shifting pressure)
• during the night
• when chewing, swallowing, or bending forward

For some people, the pain radiates toward the jaw, cheek or temple, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of discomfort.

Sinus infections often cause a feeling of blocked or clogged ears. This sensation occurs when the Eustachian tube can’t ventilate the ear, trapping fluid or air behind the eardrum.

You may notice:

• muffled or reduced hearing
• popping or crackling sounds when swallowing
• difficulty equalizing pressure on airplanes
• a sensation that improves briefly after yawning

Although uncomfortable, these changes are usually temporary and resolve as sinus inflammation improves.

During some sinus infections, the ear pain increases—even more than the nose, forehead, or cheeks. This happens when pressure builds quickly or when fluid accumulates behind the eardrum.

If the fluid becomes infected, symptoms may intensify, including:

• sharp ear pain
• increased pressure
• sensitivity when touching the outer ear
• worsening discomfort when lying on the affected side

In these cases, it’s important to monitor symptoms closely, as they may indicate the development of a middle ear infection (otitis media).

When sinus inflammation blocks the Eustachian tube, fluid can collect in the middle ear. This fluid creates an ideal environment for bacteria or viruses to multiply, potentially leading to an ear infection.

Early signs may include:

• increased pressure or fullness
• worsening pain on one side
• reduced hearing
• a feeling of warmth or heaviness in the ear

In children and adults alike, sinus infections are one of the leading causes of secondary ear infections.

A blocked ear does not always mean infection, but certain changes suggest that trapped fluid may have become infected. These include:

• escalating pain that becomes sharp or constant
• fever
• thick discharge if the eardrum becomes perforated
• significant hearing loss or a sense of imbalance

If these symptoms appear, a healthcare provider should evaluate the ear to determine whether treatment is needed.