Ringing or increased pressure in your ears is not unusual during or after exercise. The symptoms often originate in the Eustachian tube, which maintains the balance in pressure between the inside of your ear and outside your body. Changes in this pressure and the resulting ringing can be caused by a variety of conditions related to exercise, most of which are not serious.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears, which is a symptom of other conditions rather than a disease in itself. According to the University of Maryland, most people experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, often after going to a loud concert. The condition usually goes away on its own after a few hours, but if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Tinnitus and Exercise
When you exercise, the flow of blood throughout your body, including your ears, increases. This can result in a rushing or ringing noise in your ears, known as vascular or pulsatile tinnitus, says the University of Maryland. The noise happens as the blood moves through your carotid artery and jugular vein in your neck to carry blood to and from your heart and brain. You may also hear your heartbeat inside your ears. If this condition worsens or occurs even when you're not exercising, you should see your doctor, especially if your symptoms include hearing loss, your voice becoming hoarse or swallowing problems. These can indicate a thickening of your carotid artery or vascular conditions such as tumors or an aneurysm.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Your Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to your nose and throat. If this tube becomes inflamed or blocked, which often occurs due to a cold or sinusitis, you may experience a ringing in your ear, says Patient UK. Once these conditions have been cleared up, such as with mild decongestants, the ringing will usually disappear. However, according to Best Health, light cardio activity can help loosen mucus and ease your symptoms. Avoid lowering your head or bending over because this can increase the pressure in your ears and make the ringing worse.
Menieres
Ringing is one of the symptoms of this condition, which is caused by changes in fluid pressure in your inner ear. You may also experience dizziness and a full feeling in your ear. Part of the treatment for this condition is reducing your salt intake to keep your fluid levels stable. Sweating during exercise can cause your fluid levels to drop, which can make this condition and its symptoms worse. To help prevent this, make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise.
