Tinnitus is the clinical term for a sensation of ringing in the ear. The ear is a very sensitive sensory organ and minor perturbations, such as those caused by an ear infection, can distort the sensory input, causing tinnitus.
Tinnitus and infections
Tinnitus can be caused by two different kinds of infections, Formula Medical observes. Patients who develop head congestion due to a cold or flu may develop a pressure imbalance in their ears, resulting in the development of temporary ringing of the ears. In addition, an infection of the outer or middle ear can also result in tinnitus.
Types
Most infections that cause ringing of the ear are due to viruses, KidsHealth.org explains. These infections can originate within the ear itself, or be a result of an upper respiratory viral infection traveling to the ears via the Eustachian tubes. In other cases, however, infections of the outer ear can be due to bacteria, which are common in people who frequently go swimming
Treatment
Most infections that result in tinnitus go away without treatment, KidsHealth.org explains. Some patients, however, may benefit from a course of antibiotics that can treat any bacteria, which are exacerbating the infection, although antibiotics are unable to treat viral illnesses.
