Sinus Inudced Pulsatile Tinnitus

For years I have suffered from seasonal allergies and frequent sinus issues. I often times get pulsatile tinnitus aka pulsing inner ear that coincides with whichever nostril is congested due to the fluid blockage in the inner ear. During a cold, flu, or seasonal allergies the mucous membranes lining your sinuses become inflamed and swell. Ultimately this leads to a decrease of sinus drainage and fluid build up that collect within the inner ear and the lymphatic system. This increase in fluid and pressure is what often times leads to your sinus headaches, eye pain, inner ear pain or pounding/thumping feeling, and difficulty breathing through your nose.

I am recently recovering from yet another cold and decided to share my go-to remedies for these issues. The below treatments and techniques have been very useful at relieving the sinus pressure and inner ear pounding. They are listed in no particular order and can be used at your leisure.

Self Soothing Treatment

1. Psuedophed
   • This will help to reduce the mucous membrane swelling and allow you to breath more efficiently without causing rebound congestion.
2. Netti Pot
   • The netti pot is a great alternative to oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, and naphazoline nasal sprays which lead to rebound congestion.
3. Valsalvar maneuver. Take a deep breath in, plug your nose and close your mouth and gently exhale for 10 seconds. This will cause air to enter into your nasal passage and help move fluid build up.
4. Sinus Massage
   • The massaging may have to be repeated multiple times a day
6. Eustachian Tube Massage
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     The self soothing massages have helped the most at relieving my inner ear discomfort.