Unusual Sounds After Sudden Hearing Loss Recovery: What to Know

After recovering from sudden hearing loss, are you hearing strange sounds?

Hello doctor, I experienced sudden hearing loss two and a half months ago.
After seeking medical attention, my hearing largely returned to normal, with audiograms showing around 20 dB.
However, the affected ear does not perceive pitches correctly in the 600 to 800 Hz range, differing from my good ear.
A few days after the onset, I frequently heard strange sounds in the affected ear.
Initially, the most noticeable sound was a loud "pop" when air from a hiccup entered or escaped the middle ear, accompanied by an itchy sensation in the eardrum.
Over time, these strange sounds increased.
Yawning to the maximum also produces a sound similar to a rattle.
Wind sounds have become more high-pitched.
I experience a slight echo when I speak and when listening to others.
I often hear a "thumping" sound when exposed to low-frequency noises, such as traffic, certain audio systems, or announcements at the subway station, although it is not very loud.
These strange sounds seem to occur around 600 Hz.
When I do not hear those specific sounds, I do not experience the strange noises.
Previous doctors suggested that this might be tinnitus, but I could not find information online about tinnitus with these symptoms.
I would like to ask if this is actually a typical sequela of sudden hearing loss, or if it might be an issue with the Eustachian tube or tympanic membrane being too loose or too tight.
Would seeking further medical attention be beneficial?

Ant, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/05

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

Your otolaryngologist has successfully restored your hearing and advises you to take good care of your ears and rest.
Your condition involves a few damaged nerves, but the extent of the damage is not enough to affect your hearing.
If the nerves are damaged again, your hearing will decline immediately.
Wishing you peace and health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/05

More Info

Experiencing unusual sounds after recovering from sudden hearing loss can be quite distressing. Based on your description, it seems that you are dealing with a complex situation involving auditory perception changes, which may be linked to the initial sudden hearing loss you experienced.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can sometimes lead to residual effects even after the hearing has seemingly returned to normal levels. The fact that your audiogram shows a return to around 20 dB suggests that your overall hearing sensitivity is within the normal range. However, the specific frequency range you mentioned (600-800 Hz) indicates that there may still be some underlying issues affecting your auditory processing or the function of the ear structures.

The unusual sounds you are hearing, such as the "pop" when you yawn or the ringing and echoing effects, could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that these symptoms are related to tinnitus, which is often described as a ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ear that are not caused by external noise. Tinnitus can occur after hearing loss and may be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, or changes in ear function. The fact that you notice these sounds particularly when you are exposed to certain stimuli (like low-frequency sounds) suggests that your auditory system may still be adjusting to the changes that occurred during your episode of sudden hearing loss.

Another consideration is the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. If the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly, it can lead to pressure imbalances in the ear, resulting in sensations of fullness, popping sounds, or altered hearing. This could explain the "嘟" sound you hear when you yawn or the increased sensitivity to certain frequencies. If the Eustachian tube is too loose or too tight, it can also affect how sound is transmitted through the ear.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for a couple of months, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, which may include tympanometry to assess Eustachian tube function, and possibly imaging studies if there are concerns about structural issues in the ear. Additionally, they may refer you to an audiologist for more detailed auditory processing assessments.

In terms of management, while there may not be a definitive cure for tinnitus, there are various strategies that can help alleviate the symptoms. These include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques, which can be particularly beneficial if stress or anxiety is contributing to your symptoms.
In summary, while your hearing has returned to a normal threshold, the unusual sounds you are experiencing could be related to residual effects of sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, or Eustachian tube dysfunction. A follow-up with an ENT specialist would be beneficial to explore these possibilities further and to discuss potential management strategies. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and there are resources available to help you navigate these auditory challenges.

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