You can get colds or the flu at any time of the year, but the viruses that cause these common respiratory illnesses tend to spike in the fall and winter months. Most people who suffer from cold and flu can expect coughing, congestion, sore throat or mild fever. But what does it mean if you experience a cold and ear pain simultaneously, or even a combination of flu and ear infection?
Ear discomfort might not be as common as other cold and flu symptoms, but it can be just as serious and even a precursor to more severe complications. Keep reading to learn how to recognize, treat and prevent ear-related symptoms related to a cold or the flu.
The common cold is a virus affecting the nose and throat. But the virus that causes your illness might not limit itself to your upper respiratory tract—you could end up with ear-related issues, from soreness to fluid in the ear from cold and more.
You might wonder how to unclog ears from congestion. Ear congestion typically resolves on its own after the virus has run its course. If it does not, or if it becomes painful, you might seek medical intervention in the form of:
Simple ear congestion can escalate into a middle ear infection, also known as otitis media. This happens when the virus that caused your cold migrates from your nose or throat into the ear through the eustachian tube. Middle ear infection symptoms can include:
Treating otitis media is important. If left untreated, middle ear infections can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss. Under direction from your healthcare provider, you might consider the following remedies:
What helps ear pain from sinus infection varies depending on the severity and type of infection. Some treatment options include:
Cold symptoms with blocked ears typically occur due to congestion affecting the Eustachian tubes. Common symptoms include:
Can a cold cause tinnitus? Tinnitus is characterized by ringing, hissing or buzzing in the ears. You might notice new or increased tinnitus after a particularly nasty cold. This might be caused by increased pressure in your ears that can accompany a cold or sinus infection. If you continue to experience tinnitus after a cold, contact your doctor.
Ear congestion during a cold can cause muffled or reduced hearing. If congestion leads to an ear infection, you might experience temporary hearing loss. Typically, hearing loss from cold will resolve as the virus clears your system. Treat hearing loss from cold with:
Unclogging ears after flying with a cold can be challenging due to the added congestion from both the cold and changes in air pressure. Here are some general methods that may help relieve ear pressure:
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear and the nerves that connect it to the brain. A viral infection, including a cold, can trigger it. The condition can cause dizziness, nausea and hearing loss, which resolves after a few weeks. Rest, avoid sudden movements and ask your doctor about medications to manage nausea. If symptoms of labyrinthitis after a cold persist, consult with your healthcare provider.
Relieving ear pressure from a cold can help ease discomfort and improve hearing. Here are some methods you can try:
Another common response to the inflammation that accompanies a cold is itchy ears. Use over-the-counter ear drops to relieve symptoms of itchy ears with a cold. Never insert anything in your ear.
When your ear is infected, fluid and pus can build up and cause the eardrum to rupture. This might lead to bleeding or drainage from the ear. Keep the ear dry and avoid putting any objects in your ear. If bleeding or drainage from the ear after a cold happens or is accompanied by changes in hearing, contact a medical provider immediately.
Congestion from a cold can block the Eustachian tubes, causing fluid to build up in the ear. Fluid in ear symptoms include a feeling of fullness, ringing or popping sounds, difficulty hearing or balance issues.
To relieve fluid in the ear from a cold, try these methods:
Clogged ears from a cold often result from congestion in the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This congestion can create a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or pressure in the ears. It’s common to experience temporary hearing difficulties and discomfort, especially when swallowing or yawning. These symptoms usually subside once the underlying cold or infection clears.
A blocked ear following a cold is a common issue that occurs after the initial symptoms have subsided. As the cold resolves, congestion in the Eustachian tubes may remain, leading to a sensation of fullness or blockage in the ear.
This can happen due to residual inflammation or fluid buildup that occurs as a result of the cold. The feeling of a blocked ear may persist even when other cold symptoms are gone. If the blockage continues or is accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Blocked ears from a cold can be uncomfortable, but several remedies may help. Steam inhalation can loosen mucus and relieve congestion, while a warm compress can soothe discomfort. Yawning or swallowing encourages the Eustachian tubes to open, helping trapped fluid escape. The Valsalva maneuver—pinching your nose and gently blowing—can also equalize ear pressure.
Staying hydrated and using nasal decongestants can further alleviate symptoms. If the blockage persists or causes significant pain, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
Earache during a cold is usually caused by the swelling and congestion of the Eustachian tubes, which leads to pressure buildup in the middle ear. This pressure can result in a dull or sharp pain, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of fullness or blockage. In some cases, the pain may be persistent or worsen with certain movements, like swallowing or yawning.
For ear pain due to a cold, consider these remedies:
The common cold and ear infections are closely related. A cold, caused by a viral infection, often leads to nasal congestion and swelling in the Eustachian tubes, which connect the throat to the middle ear.
This congestion can trap fluid in the middle ear, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and resulting in an ear infection. Symptoms of an ear infection may include ear pain, pressure, and muffled hearing, which can develop alongside or following cold symptoms.
Ears popping during a cold is common due to pressure changes in the Eustachian tubes. Nasal congestion can block these tubes, leading to a sensation of fullness and pressure.
When you yawn or swallow, the tubes may open, causing a popping sound as the pressure equalizes.If popping is accompanied by pain or hearing loss, consult a healthcare professional.
There are several home remedies to address pain or discomfort from fluid in the ears.
If your earache is the result of a sinus infection, try a nasal saline rinse to clear the sinuses. Consult with your doctor before trying a sinus rinse for ear pain. For best results:
General home remedies like rest or warm compresses can help, but in some cases, they fall short. Consider medications for a more targeted approach to fluid-in-ear treatment.
When treating fluid in the ear from cold or more severe complications like cold and ear pain or flu and ear infection, especially in children, consider the following:
Most cold and ear pain will resolve once the virus has cleared your system. If symptoms persist, be sure to consult with your doctor for the best course of treatment.
An ear infection itself typically does not cause cold symptoms, but it can develop as a complication of a cold. Cold symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing are caused by a viral infection, which can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the Eustachian tubes. This creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, potentially causing a middle ear infection.
However, an ear infection may cause symptoms similar to a cold, including:
Ears can hurt in the cold due to several reasons:
To get rid of an ear infection caused by a cold, consider the following steps:
To stop ringing in the ears (tinnitus) caused by a cold, consider these approaches:
Yes, flying with a cold can potentially damage your ears. When you have a cold, congestion and inflammation can block the Eustachian tubes, which are responsible for equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. During takeoff and landing, rapid changes in altitude can create pressure differences that the blocked tubes can't equalize. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and in some cases, complications such as:
