Tinnitus: Why Leaning Back Causes Sound in Your Ears

Tinnitus issue - there is a sound like wind when tilting the head back?

Hello, doctor :) In the evening, while I was in my room (which has no windows), I noticed that when I sat on a chair and leaned back against the backrest, I could hear a wind-like sound in my ears.
The volume was moderate, neither too loud nor too soft, and I felt a bit dizzy, but when I sat up straight, the sound disappeared.
I find it strange because it seems that the change in posture is what causes the tinnitus to go away, but when I lean back again, the tinnitus returns.
I have repeated this several times and the result is always the same; as long as I lean back, the sound appears.
I noticed that other people with tinnitus experience it continuously, which makes me feel this is unusual.
Thank you.

Sunny, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/16

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello Sunny, regarding the issue you mentioned, there are actually many types of tinnitus, and it is not always continuous like your situation.
It could be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction or 2) degeneration of the auditory nerve, among others.
These conditions can be diagnosed through medical examination and can be appropriately managed with medication.
It is advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you peace and health.

Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Chi Chao-Yun
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof room, where you should press a button when you hear sounds, rather than just using a tuning fork test), and this examination confirms that you do not have sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSH), then medication may suffice.
However, if you have not undergone pure tone audiometry, it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination to rule out sudden hearing loss.
The golden treatment window for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is two weeks, and early treatment yields better outcomes.

Reply Date: 2016/08/16

More Info

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, can manifest in various ways and can be influenced by numerous factors, including body position. Your experience of hearing a wind-like sound in your ears when leaning back in your chair, which disappears when sitting upright, is indeed intriguing and could be attributed to several underlying mechanisms.

Firstly, the phenomenon you are experiencing may be related to changes in the pressure within your ear, particularly in the middle ear and the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps equalize pressure. When you lean back, the position of your head and neck can affect how this tube functions, potentially leading to a temporary imbalance in pressure. This pressure change can cause sounds that are normally not perceived to become audible, resulting in the sensation of wind or other noises in your ears.

Additionally, leaning back may also affect the way sound waves are transmitted through the structures of your ear. The inner ear contains delicate hair cells that are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain. Changes in posture can alter the fluid dynamics within the cochlea, which might lead to the perception of sound that is not actually present in the environment. This could explain why you notice the sound only when in a specific position.

Another possibility is that your body position is influencing your overall blood flow and circulation. Leaning back may affect the blood flow to the inner ear, which can also impact how sound is processed. If there is a temporary reduction in blood flow or changes in the vascular dynamics, it could lead to the perception of sounds that are not typically heard.

It's also worth noting that the sensation of sound in your ears when leaning back could be related to muscle tension or strain in the neck and jaw area. Sometimes, tension in these areas can lead to a condition known as somatic tinnitus, where the perception of sound is linked to physical tension or discomfort. When you sit upright, you may be relieving some of that tension, which could explain why the sound dissipates.

While your experience is unique and may not fit the typical presentation of tinnitus, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If the sounds persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, hearing loss, or pain, it would be advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, including hearing tests and possibly imaging studies, to rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In conclusion, the sound you hear when leaning back could be due to changes in ear pressure, fluid dynamics, blood flow, or muscle tension. While it may not be a cause for immediate concern, keeping track of your symptoms and seeking medical advice if they change or worsen is always a prudent approach. Understanding the nuances of tinnitus and its triggers can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and improve your overall ear health.

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