Ear Pain from Loud Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice

Pain in the inner ear due to excessive sound pressure?

Three weeks ago, the speakers in the tutoring center were very loud, and my seat was close to the speakers.
After attending a three-hour class, I felt some pain in my ears (especially in my left ear, which was closer to the speaker).
However, the pain did not last long, about a few hours, and it felt like it was coming from inside the ear, around the area where the ear canal meets the eardrum.
Since then, every time I attend class (when the speakers are on and the volume is a bit loud for me), my ears start to hurt after about an hour, and the pain subsides a few hours after class.
Previously (on March 1), I tried wearing earplugs throughout the class, and I didn't experience any pain.
However, today (March 3), I attended class without earplugs and experienced pain again.
What could be causing this? If I wear earplugs for extended periods (more than three hours each class), are there any effects or precautions I should be aware of? Should I see a doctor? Thank you.

Liu Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/04

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if ear pain is caused by loud volume, the best approach is still to avoid high volume levels.
You might consider adjusting your position; if that’s not possible, using earplugs or earmuffs can also help, and generally, this should not pose any issues.
However, if the ear pain persists or if you experience hearing loss or difficulty hearing clearly, it is necessary to seek medical attention for an examination.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/03/04

More Info

Ear pain, especially when associated with exposure to loud sounds, can be a concerning symptom that warrants attention. Your experience of ear pain after being exposed to loud speakers for extended periods suggests that you may be experiencing a form of noise-induced ear discomfort or even temporary threshold shifts in hearing sensitivity. This is not uncommon, particularly in environments where sound levels exceed safe thresholds.

When you mention that the pain is localized to the inner ear, particularly around the area where the ear canal meets the eardrum (the tympanic membrane), it could indicate that the loud sounds are causing irritation or inflammation in that region. The fact that you found relief when using earplugs suggests that the pain is indeed related to the sound exposure. Earplugs can help reduce the intensity of sound waves entering the ear, thereby preventing discomfort and potential damage.

In terms of the underlying mechanisms, exposure to loud sounds can lead to a temporary increase in pressure within the ear, which may result in discomfort or pain. This is often referred to as "temporary threshold shift," where the ear's sensitivity to sound is altered due to the loud environment. If this exposure is frequent and prolonged, it could potentially lead to more permanent changes in hearing or even conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Regarding your question about the long-term use of earplugs, it is generally safe to use them in loud environments, and they can be an effective way to protect your hearing. However, it's essential to ensure that the earplugs are properly fitted and that you are using them correctly. Over-reliance on earplugs without addressing the source of the loud noise may lead to a false sense of security, and it is crucial to be mindful of the overall sound environment.

If you find that the pain persists even with the use of earplugs, or if you experience additional symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness, it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, including hearing tests, to determine if there is any underlying damage or condition that needs to be addressed.

In summary, your symptoms appear to be related to noise exposure, and using earplugs is a good preventive measure. However, if the pain continues or worsens, or if you have concerns about your hearing, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management. Protecting your hearing is crucial, especially if you are frequently in loud environments, so taking proactive steps now can help prevent long-term issues.

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