You mother probably taught you how to blow your nose. Did she do a bad job at it? Did she miss something? Is it even possible to blow your nose the wrong way? And if you do, could you end up with tinnitus for the rest of your life?

Can blowing your nose cause tinnitus?

Blowing your nose can cause tinnitus if you blow too hard and cause ear trauma. If you use too much force, the sudden change in pressure behind one or both of your eardrums could cause them to rupture. The sound of a “pop” followed by pain, hearing loss, and sometimes severe tinnitus may result.

How to blow your nose without causing tinnitus.

Blowing your nose the proper way will prevent ear drum damage.

Holding a tissue over your nose, press a finger against one of your nostrils to close it off. Now blow the open nostril into the tissue or handkerchief gently and with as little pressure as possible.

How to fix tinnitus caused by blowing your nose.

A recent ear drum perforation should heal within 60 days. If it hasn’t, you may need medical assistance.

The first method is to patch your eardrum. This office procedure uses thin paper patches chemically affixed to your eardrum to seal off the hole. Several patches may be required; however, the first patch often improves hearing.

However, if surgery is required, it is minor, done on an outpatient basis, and often quite successful.

Can a sinus infection cause tinnitus?

Without question, exposure to loud noise is the leading cause of tinnitus. In addition, however, sinusitis or an infection in your sinuses could cause tinnitus.

Sinusitis can cause tinnitus if the bacteria or virus causing it irritate the tissues of your sinus cavity. As the tissues swell, mucus builds up and causes ear congestion. If this congestion blocks your Eustachian Tube, the pressure will also build up behind your eardrum—causing tinnitus.

Your sinuses are normally filled with air. When their inner lining swells, the Eustachian Tube can become blocked.

According to Interventions for adult Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review: “The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube which links the back of the nose to the middle ear. It is normally closed but opens when we swallow, yawn or chew. The Eustachian tube has three main functions: to protect the middle ear from pathogens; to ventilate the middle ear, which can help to keep the air pressure equal on either side of the eardrum, enabling the eardrum to work and vibrate properly; and to help drain secretions from the middle ear cleft.”

A blocked Eustachian Tube can lead to your sinuses filling with fluid. This fluid build-up causes stuffiness, pain around your face, and pressure. This pressure (building up around your eardrum) causes sinus-related tinnitus.

See also: https://lifewithtinnitus.com/3-signs-you-may-have-temporary-tinnitus/

How long does sinus tinnitus last?

Tinnitus from acute sinusitis caused by a mild infection or the common cold should subside in 10 days. However, tinnitus from chronic sinusitis can last for more than three months. 

Always check with your doctor when you have a sinus-related condition.

Bacteria and viruses are not the only causes of sinusitis. Other causes of sinusitis include dental infections, smoking, allergies, diabetes.

According to the CDC, sinusitis does not always require potentially ototoxic antibiotics.

Related: https://lifewithtinnitus.com/tinnitus-at-night-how-to-smash-this-problem/

How to relieve tinnitus symptoms caused by sinus-related issues.

Tinnitus from sinus-related conditions should fade as the infection is treated and the pressure around your eardrums lessens.

Decongestants. While taking a decongestant often reduces sinus pressure, some antihistamines could aggravate your tinnitus. There are alternatives, so consult your doctor before using over-the-counter medications.

Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water. A properly hydrated body can better keep your sinuses clear and combat infection.
Take a steam team bath. Inhaling steam will soothe and open your nasal passages by loosening mucus. You can also use an inhaler.
Nasal wash. A nasal wash system like a Neti Pot helps soothe and relieve nasal symptoms and congestion associated with sinusitis.
Massage. Give yourself a nasal massage to help reduce the pressure and softly loosen the fluid in your sinuses.

See also: https://lifewithtinnitus.com/tinnitus-habituation-how-to-cope-with-ringing-in-your-ears/

Did something wrong with your nose cause tinnitus?

If something wrong with your nose is causing your tinnitus, you should be able to see a doctor, get it treated, and find eventual relief.

You are one of the lucky ones!