I have used a mucus thinner in the past and wondered if it could end up trapped in the ear canal. Could this cause tinnitus? I administered in through the nose while lying on my back, to get maximum effect. I developed tinnitus around that time and thought there might be a connection. Maybe it coincidental, but if not is there something I can do? I have had this problem for about ten years and sometimes the noise gets louder but most of the time I can handle it. My sleep is not disturbed, unless the ringing is accompanied by rumbling or pounding.