How sinusitis affects your hearing

Sinusitis and  earache are closely related as a sinus congestion often develops into an ear congestion. Infected sinuses tend to swell and become congested with mucus, in turn exerting painful pressure on nearby body parts, such as the middle ear. This leads to experiencing severe discomfort in one or both ears.

Those who suffer from sinusitis often experience earache, caused by blockage of the eustachian tube, which increases the feeling of pressure in the ears. To relieve the pain, you can:

• Apply a warm compress to the nose and forehead;
• Use a saline nasal spray a couple of times a day;
• Avoid extreme temperatures, excessive heat or cold;
• Drink plenty of water and hot drinks;
• Inhale natural steam;
• Use a humidifier;
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco products.

Sinusitis and tinnitus are connected as the nasal congestion caused bv sinusitis, if particularly intense, can lead to tinnitus. The reason is that the sinus cavities and the ears are interconnected systems. When pressure around the eardrum increases, due to congestion in the ear, the typical ringing of tinnitus occurs. Although uncommon, in some cases  pulsatile tinnitus, when the ear becomes aware of a change in blood flow in nearby blood vessels, may occur. This type of tinnitus is usually caused by increased blood flow.

Hearing problems related to sinusitis depend on the presence and propagation of the  ear infection. As excess fluid pours into the  eustachian tube, and swells, pressure in the eardrum also increases, causing  hearing loss and the common feeling of plugged ears. However, this condition is not permanent and as the infection heals, the hearing problem also disappears.

Sinusitis is mainly treated with pharmaceuticals. Treatment may vary based on each specific case, so it is best to consult a professional for adequate treatment. Some of the most common remedies are:

• antibiotics (only in case of bacterial infection)
• nasal decongestants
• nasal corticosteroids
• therapeutic aids such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• antihistamines, if the sinusitis is caused by allergies.