Abnormal Sensations in the Left Ear: Causes and Solutions

Q: Abnormal Sensations in the Left Ear: Causes and Solutions

Dear Mr. <br>Hsueh,<br>The issues you mentioned could be due to： 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction： This is the most common cause and can occur not only during air travel, mountain climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. <br>2) Sudden sensori

Abnormal sensation in the left ear?

This condition has been present for two to three years.
Whenever I hear loud sounds, such as announcements in large venues or sharp noises, my left ear produces a sound similar to that of pinching my nose and blowing.
The clinic doctor examined my ear with an otoscope and said the ear canal is very clean.
During a physical examination, my hearing tests were also normal.
I do not experience pain, discharge, or tinnitus under normal circumstances.
I would like to ask for your advice on how to resolve this issue.
Thank you.

Xue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/11

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Dear Mr.
Hsueh,
The issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during air travel, mountain climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: This usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to unclean water or improper ear cleaning.

All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication after a medical consultation.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof booth, where you press a button in response to sounds, rather than just using a tuning fork), and it confirms that there is no hearing loss, then medication may suffice.
However, if you have not had a pure tone audiometry test, I recommend visiting a hospital for an examination to rule out any hearing impairment.
Wishing you health and safety.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun
Director, Department of Otolaryngology
Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2017/04/11

More Info

Understanding abnormal sensations in the ear, particularly when they are unilateral (affecting only one ear), can be quite complex. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that your left ear experiences a range of unusual auditory sensations, particularly in response to loud or sharp sounds. This could be attributed to several potential causes, and I will outline these along with possible solutions.

Possible Causes
1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps equalize ear pressure. If this tube is not functioning properly, it can lead to sensations of fullness or abnormal sounds in the ear, especially in response to changes in pressure or loud noises. This dysfunction can be unilateral, meaning it can affect only one ear.

2. Hyperacusis: This condition is characterized by an increased sensitivity to certain frequency ranges and volume levels of sound. Individuals with hyperacusis may experience discomfort or abnormal sensations in response to sounds that are typically tolerable. This could explain why you hear a sound similar to blowing air when exposed to loud noises.

3. Middle Ear Muscle Reflex: The stapedius muscle in the middle ear contracts in response to loud sounds to protect the inner ear. In some individuals, this reflex may be exaggerated, leading to sensations of distortion or abnormal sounds when exposed to loud environments.

4. Auditory Processing Issues: Sometimes, the brain may misinterpret sounds, leading to abnormal auditory sensations. This can occur even when the ear itself is functioning normally.

5. Previous Ear Conditions: If you have a history of ear infections or other ear-related issues, this could contribute to ongoing sensitivity or abnormal sensations in the ear.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist: Since your symptoms have persisted for two to three years, it would be beneficial to consult with an ENT specialist for a thorough examination. They may conduct additional tests, such as tympanometry or auditory brainstem response testing, to assess the function of your middle ear and auditory pathways.

2. Hearing Protection: If you know you will be exposed to loud environments, consider using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to protect your ears from potential damage and reduce the abnormal sensations you experience.

3. Eustachian Tube Exercises: If Eustachian tube dysfunction is suspected, certain exercises, such as the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing while pinching your nose), may help equalize pressure in the ears.

4. Sound Therapy: For conditions like hyperacusis, sound therapy can be beneficial. This involves gradual exposure to various sounds at controlled volumes to help desensitize the auditory system.

5. Avoiding Loud Noises: While it may seem obvious, avoiding exposure to loud noises whenever possible can help prevent exacerbation of your symptoms.

6. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the underlying cause.

7. Medication: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms, especially if there is an underlying condition contributing to your discomfort.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not currently be causing pain or significant hearing loss, they are nonetheless concerning and warrant further investigation. By consulting with a specialist and exploring the above recommendations, you can work towards finding relief and understanding the underlying causes of your abnormal ear sensations.

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