Ear Vibrations: Causes and Treatments for Unusual Sounds

The sound that the ear hears causes vibrations in the ear canal?

Hello Dr.
Zheng, last Friday night while I was sleeping, I accidentally hit my head with my hand, and since then I've been hearing a "buzzing" sound in my ears, similar to a mosquito.
The symptoms worsened over the weekend; now when I hear the sound of the electric fan, it feels like my ears are vibrating with a continuous buzzing sound.
On Monday, I visited the ENT department at a major hospital.
The doctor used a device to flush my ears and conducted a hearing test along with another device that seemed to analyze the middle ear.
The doctor informed me that all the test results were normal.
I explained my symptoms to the doctor, but he seemed unsure and prescribed me five days' worth of anti-anxiety medication along with medications to improve blood circulation and bronchodilation.
After the ear flushing, I felt some improvement; previously, I would hear a vibrating sound in my ear when the fan was on, but now I only experience this sensation with louder sounds.
Currently, the main issue is that when I hear loud noises, such as motorcycles outside my house, my left ear produces a very loud vibrating sound.
Could this condition be Eustachian tube dysfunction, or is it auditory hypersensitivity?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/10

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, hearing a loud sound that produces a sensation similar to ear vibrations may be a normal physiological protective mechanism.
This occurs due to the contraction of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear, which helps prevent excessive sound levels from entering the inner ear.
If examinations show no significant abnormalities, you may self-monitor and reduce exposure to noise; symptoms will often improve gradually.
If there is no improvement, you may return for follow-up.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/09/10

More Info

Hello! Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a condition that could be related to several factors, including ear canal sensitivity, eustachian tube dysfunction, or even auditory sensitivity. Let's break down the potential causes and treatments for the unusual sounds and sensations you are experiencing in your ears.

Possible Causes
1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps equalize pressure. If this tube is not functioning properly, it can lead to sensations of fullness, popping, or unusual sounds in the ear. This dysfunction can be exacerbated by changes in altitude, allergies, or upper respiratory infections.

2. Auditory Sensitivity: Some individuals have heightened sensitivity to sounds, known as hyperacusis. This condition can make normal sounds seem excessively loud or uncomfortable. It can occur after head trauma, which you mentioned happened when you hit your head.

3. Tinnitus: The "翁翁翁" sound you described resembles tinnitus, a condition characterized by hearing noises that are not caused by external sounds. Tinnitus can be triggered by various factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or even stress.

4. Middle Ear Issues: Although your doctor indicated that your middle ear function was normal, conditions such as fluid accumulation or inflammation can sometimes lead to unusual auditory sensations.

5. Head Trauma: Since you mentioned hitting your head, it is possible that the impact affected your inner ear structures or auditory pathways, leading to the symptoms you are experiencing.

Recommended Actions
1. Follow-Up with an ENT Specialist: Since your initial tests came back normal, it may be beneficial to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist again for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as imaging studies (like an MRI) to rule out any structural issues.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

3. Avoid Loud Noises: Protect your ears from loud environments, as exposure to loud sounds can exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus and auditory sensitivity.

4. Stress Management: Since anxiety can contribute to auditory sensitivity and tinnitus, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise into your routine.

5. Medication Review: Discuss with your doctor the medications you are currently taking. Sometimes, certain medications can have side effects that affect hearing or cause tinnitus.

6. Consider Audiological Therapy: If your symptoms persist, audiological therapy or sound therapy may help retrain your auditory system to reduce sensitivity to certain sounds.

Conclusion
In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to eustachian tube dysfunction, auditory sensitivity, or tinnitus, possibly exacerbated by the head trauma you experienced. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare provider to explore these possibilities and find an appropriate treatment plan. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation from an ENT specialist may provide additional insights into your condition. Remember to take care of your overall health and well-being as you navigate this situation.

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