Feeling Pressure in Left Ear: Hearing Loss After Loud Music?

There is a feeling of fullness in the left ear, and hearing is somewhat impaired?

Today, I placed the speaker next to my left ear and listened to music for about 30 minutes.
After finding the volume too loud, I turned off the music but noticed a feeling of fullness in my left ear, and my hearing seems less sensitive compared to my right ear.
I can still hear sounds, but when I wear headphones, sounds seem closer in my right ear and farther away in my left ear.
I suspect that the loud music may have caused some hearing damage.
There is no tinnitus or buzzing, and I can still discern the direction of sound sources.
However, I can only faintly hear my phone vibrating with my right ear, while my left ear cannot detect it.
It has been 8 hours, and the situation has not improved.
What can I do to improve this? Is this temporary?

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/20

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if your hearing does not improve, it is recommended to visit a hospital for a hearing examination and related treatment.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/03/20

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a concerning situation with your left ear after exposure to loud music. Based on your description, it appears that you may be dealing with temporary threshold shift or temporary hearing loss, which can occur after exposure to high decibel levels, such as loud music. This condition is characterized by a reduction in hearing sensitivity, often accompanied by a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.

When you listen to loud music, especially at close proximity to the speakers, the intense sound waves can cause the hair cells in the cochlea (the auditory part of the inner ear) to become overstimulated. This overstimulation can lead to a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity, which may explain why you feel that sounds are less clear or distant in your left ear compared to your right. The fact that you do not have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a positive sign, as tinnitus often accompanies more severe forms of hearing damage.

In terms of recovery, many individuals experience improvement in their hearing sensitivity after a period of rest from loud sounds. It is crucial to give your ears a break from any loud noise exposure, including music, loud environments, and even earphones. This rest period allows the hair cells in your inner ear to recover from the overstimulation.
However, if your symptoms persist beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if you notice any worsening of your hearing or the development of new symptoms (such as pain, dizziness, or tinnitus), it is essential to seek medical attention. An audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can perform a thorough examination, including hearing tests, to assess the extent of any potential damage and provide appropriate recommendations.

In the meantime, here are some additional tips to help improve your situation:
1. Avoid Loud Environments: Stay away from loud music and environments for a few days to allow your ears to recover.

2. Limit Earphone Use: If you need to use earphones, consider using noise-canceling headphones at a lower volume to minimize strain on your ears.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall ear health.

4. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate ear issues, so practicing relaxation techniques may be beneficial.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your hearing or any new symptoms that may arise.

6. Seek Professional Help: If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

In conclusion, while it is possible that your symptoms are temporary and may resolve with time and rest, it is essential to monitor your condition closely. Protecting your hearing is crucial, as repeated exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing loss. If in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance and support.

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