Can tinnitus be caused by post nasal drip?

I have had a post nasal drip for years. Went to an allergist and they gave me a cat scan of my sinuses. Found deviated septum and a radicular cyst. with some mucosal thickening. The doctor informed me that everything is OK. Very common what I have. But I am wondering if this is causing my tinnitus. I am 56 years old, in fairly good health but am concerned since this tinnitus causes me much anxiety at night. Can I do something about this? The tinnitus was in my left ear and now it started in my right ear with constant flareups depending on my day and exposure to noise. I also have stress and anxiety because of aging parents that may also be hurting the situation. Just your opinion would be fully appreciated.

[Eric Genden, MD]

It is unlikely that your post nasal drip is directly related to the tinnitus however if you are experiencing Eustachian tube dysfunction as a result of the allergies/post nasal drip, it may lead to a perception of tinnitus. An audiogram with tympanometry and an exam should help to determine the cause of your problem.