Does an Inflammation of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Cause Tinnitus?

Whether ENT Inflammation Can Cause Tinnitus Depends on the Specific Cause

Whether ENT (ear, nose, and throat) inflammation can cause tinnitus requires judgment based on the specific cause of the tinnitus. If tinnitus is caused by diseases such as acute otitis media or external otitis, it is usually accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms. However, tinnitus caused by chronic pharyngitis or sinusitis may not be accompanied by other discomforts.

1. Acute Otitis Media: If a patient has acute otitis media, it may lead to perforation of the tympanic membrane, resulting in tinnitus. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as hearing loss and ear pain.

2. External Otitis: If a patient has external otitis, it may cause local skin swelling, narrowing or occlusion of the external auditory canal, thereby affecting sound conduction and also leading to tinnitus. Additionally, there may be symptoms such as ear itching and pain.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis: If a patient has chronic pharyngitis, the inflammatory stimulation can cause congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa, increased secretions, and reflux during swallowing, which may also induce tinnitus. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as a sensation of a foreign body in the throat and throat pain.

4. Sinusitis: If a patient has sinusitis, the inflammatory stimulation can cause an increase in nasal secretions. During respiration, mucus may flow backward, irritating the throat and potentially inducing tinnitus. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion and purulent nasal discharge.

In addition, similar symptoms may also occur in patients with Meniere's disease or acoustic neuroma. It is recommended that patients promptly consult a doctor and actively cooperate with treatment.