How Sinus Issues Affect Hearing.

[Rickster71]

Since our sinuses and our ear canals are connected, I've often wondered how it alters our hearing.

I've noticed some days I just don't feel like listening to music, it actually sounded irritating.
It always correlates with when my sinuses feel a little clogged.

When the sinuses or ear canal becomes clogged or membranes inflamed and therefore smaller, it could alter how we perceive tones, or make difficult it to hear.

While this may be a topic better suited for the Doctors among us.
It might be helpful while discussing just how subjective and variable our senses really are.

 

[Irvrobinson]

I have the same issue. One thing I've noticed is that when I'm stuffed up it's the bass frequencies that suffer most, and that makes my system sound a lot worse.

 

[Gordonj]

I have the same issue. One thing I've noticed is that when I'm stuffed up it's the bass frequencies that suffer most, and that makes my system sound a lot worse.

When I am clogged (as I am now) it is the midrange that just "rings" in my ear and kills me....

Oh yea, when i am clogged or my sinuses are dry (winter time) my ears tend to ring. That drives me nuts....

 

[3db]

I've been saying this and arguing this point for years. We hear with all of our senses, not just our ears.

 

[cpp]

I know what your talking about, allergic to laurel oak, pine pollen but worst of all, "Lime Juice" which really messes with my margaritas. Sinus pressure just messes up those nice mid-ranges and bass tracks and for me ( already have the tinnitus which started on my 50 B-day so the highs are already impacted). I need quite until the pressure/headaches are gone, thanks to some meds. But yes sinus problems can impact the way a person hears sound.

 

[Swerd]

Since our sinuses and our ear canals are connected, I've often wondered how it alters our hearing.

It might be helpful while discussing just how subjective and variable our senses really are.

Good point, our hearing can and does vary depending on our inflammation status.

To be anatomically correct, our ears directly connect to our throat (not the sinuses) by the eustachian tube. But if your sinuses are swollen or inflamed, the eustachian tube probably will also be affected. Normally this tube is open to the air in your throat, but if it swells shut, or is filled with fluid, because of inflammation from a head cold or allergic reaction, your hearing will be affected.

Eustachian tube - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Some drugs, including aspirin and many other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can cause the sensation of ringing in the ears. It can also happen with age-related upper frequency hearing loss .

 

[3db]

Good point, our hearing can and does vary depending on our inflammation status.

To be anatomically correct, our ears directly connect to our throat (not the sinuses) by the eustachian tube. But if your sinuses are swollen or inflamed, the eustachian tube probably will also be affected. Normally this tube is open to the air in your throat, but if it swells shut, or is filled with fluid, because of inflammation from a head cold or allergic reaction, your hearing will be affected.

E

And listening to music with our mouthes open just doesn't cut it.