Tinnitus following a respiratory infection such as COVID-19 is relatively common and may result from inflammation and excess mucus irritating auditory nerves, though the exact cause remains uncertain. While symptoms often improve over time, some individuals experience chronic and disruptive tinnitus that can affect sleep and quality of life.

Experts recommend managing tinnitus through distraction techniques, particularly during nighttime when the symptom tends to be more noticeable due to quieter surroundings. Playing a soft background sound at a low volume throughout the night can help divert attention without attempting to mask the tinnitus completely.

If this approach is insufficient, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) may be beneficial. This form of talking therapy includes practical steps and relaxation techniques aimed at reprogramming the brain to improve sleep quality. Additionally, a specialized type of cognitive behavioural therapy designed specifically for tinnitus can help reduce the distress associated with the symptom. This therapy involves understanding the cycle of tinnitus symptoms, recognizing how anxiety and muscle tension may exacerbate the condition, and learning to decrease excessive monitoring of the sounds. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends this treatment when tinnitus significantly impairs wellbeing. However, it generally requires a referral from a general practitioner (GP) and is typically available only at specialist clinics.

In cases where tinnitus includes a crackling sound, as in one ear, this may indicate a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and serves to drain fluid and equalize air pressure. Disruption due to colds or other infections can cause crackling or popping noises, often noticeable with swallowing or accompanied by muffled hearing.

Another potential cause is middle ear myoclonus, a condition involving involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear. These tiny muscles adjust eardrum tension and help muffle loud noises but can be affected by stress or infection, resulting in abnormal sounds such as crackling. Treatment options include medication, Botox injections into the middle ear, or surgery. An evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultant, particularly assessing eardrum movement during symptoms, is advised to determine appropriate management.

Separately, an individual reported not needing to urinate during the night or early morning for the past year, along with a change to darker urine. This pattern suggests production of more concentrated urine, typically due to decreased fluid intake or increased fluid loss through sweating or exercise. However, the development of chronic urinary retention—a condition where the bladder does not empty fully—could also cause these symptoms. Chronic retention is sometimes associated with high blood pressure, kidney issues, or diabetes, which can affect bladder sensitivity or kidney function.

Health professionals recommend maintaining a three-day bladder and fluid diary to monitor fluid intake, urination times, and volume. Some water loss occurs through the skin even without sweating, but normally fluid intake and output should balance over 24 hours. If urine output remains low or other symptoms develop, consulting a GP is important. Medical assessment may include blood pressure measurement and blood tests to evaluate kidney function and blood sugar levels to rule out underlying health conditions.