Sudden Changes in Sound Perception: Possible Causes and Solutions

Q: Sudden Changes in Sound Perception: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to： 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction： This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. <br>2) Sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. <

Changes in pitch of sound?

Hello Doctor, sometimes I experience a sudden change in pitch or distortion in the sounds I hear.
I had a hearing test at the clinic two weeks ago, which showed normal hearing in my left ear, but my right ear's hearing was below the baseline.
Since visiting the doctor did not resolve the issue or identify the problem, and the information I found online was either not closely related or lacking answers, I decided to ask here.
Generally, I do not notice this issue in a quiet environment; it only occurs when there is music playing.
I first noticed this at the age of 16, after having a fever and taking medication for three days.
During that time, the music I heard sounded distorted, such as the background music in TV commercials and the school bell.
At that time, both ears seemed to be experiencing distortion.
I have allergies, which tend to flare up when there are rapid temperature changes, causing me to sneeze and have a runny nose.
After one of these allergy episodes, I noticed that the music I heard in my right ear was distorted, while my left ear was normal.
I did not pay attention to how long this lasted.
The most recent occurrence was while I was using my computer; I was playing music through the speakers when I suddenly felt something was off.
Thinking that the music from a verified YouTube account should be fine, I decided to put on headphones and even swapped them from left to right, discovering that my left ear was still normal while my right ear had the issue.
This lasted for about an hour and a half.
I discussed this problem with my family, and they found information online about "Meniere's disease." I once experienced dizziness so severe that when I sat up in bed, the whole room started spinning clockwise, and I couldn't stand up straight.
This episode lasted about an hour, and I could only stabilize myself by tilting my head back.
I visited a clinic at that time, but they could not identify any issues.
I am unsure if the dizziness is related to my ear problem, so I informed the doctor about it.
After discussing it with my family, I decided to see an ENT specialist, where I underwent another hearing test.
The clinic doctor concluded that it was not related to my hearing and suggested that if it does not affect my daily life, it should not be a concern.
However, he also mentioned that he could not determine whether the issue was with my ear or a problem with how my brain processes sound.
My questions remain unanswered, so I would like to consult a doctor to see if there might be an underlying issue.

Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/07

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
2) Sensorineural or conductive hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (like colds) or sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: usually occurs when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can be caused by contaminated water or improper ear cleaning, leading to inflammation.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication after consulting a healthcare provider.
If you have already undergone pure tone audiometry (which requires headphones in a soundproof room, where you respond to sounds by pressing a button, rather than just using a tuning fork), and all frequencies are confirmed to be normal, then medication may be sufficient.
However, if you have not had a pure tone audiometry test, it is recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation to rule out any partial hearing loss or other potential conditions.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2021/10/07

More Info

Understanding sudden changes in sound perception, such as hearing distorted or altered sounds, can be quite concerning. Your description of experiencing sound changes, particularly in the context of music, alongside a history of allergies and a previous episode of dizziness, raises several important considerations.

Firstly, the phenomenon you are experiencing may be related to a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD). APD can manifest as difficulty in understanding sounds, especially in noisy environments, or when unexpected auditory stimuli occur. This could explain why you find it challenging to comprehend speech or music when you are engaged in other tasks. However, it is essential to differentiate between APD and other auditory issues, such as hearing loss or ear-related disorders.

Given that your recent hearing tests indicated normal function in your left ear and reduced hearing in your right ear, it is crucial to explore the implications of this asymmetry. Hearing loss can lead to distortions in sound perception, particularly if one ear is not processing sound as effectively as the other. This could explain why you only notice the issue in specific contexts, such as when listening to music. The brain relies on input from both ears to create a balanced auditory perception, and any disruption can lead to distortions or a sense of "off-tuning."
Your history of allergies and the associated symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal congestion, could also play a role in your auditory experiences. Allergies can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction, which affects pressure regulation in the middle ear and can result in temporary changes in hearing or sound perception. This dysfunction can be exacerbated by rapid changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure, which you mentioned experiencing.

The mention of Meniere's disease is also noteworthy. This condition is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and fluctuating hearing loss. While your symptoms do not fully align with Meniere's disease, the dizziness you experienced could suggest a vestibular component that warrants further investigation. It is essential to consider that vestibular issues can sometimes accompany auditory problems, leading to a complex interplay of symptoms.

To address your concerns, I recommend the following steps:
1. Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation: Return to an audiologist for a more detailed assessment, including tests that evaluate not just hearing thresholds but also how your brain processes sounds. This may include speech-in-noise tests or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.

2. Consultation with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist: Given your history of dizziness and current auditory issues, a thorough examination by an ENT specialist is warranted. They can assess for any underlying conditions, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, middle ear problems, or other structural issues.

3. Management of Allergies: If allergies are contributing to your symptoms, consider discussing management strategies with your healthcare provider. This may include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or other treatments to reduce inflammation and improve Eustachian tube function.

4. Monitoring and Documentation: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (e.g., allergies, stress, or environmental changes). This information can be valuable for your healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing your condition.

5. Consider Psychological Factors: If anxiety or stress is a contributing factor, exploring relaxation techniques or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help improve your overall auditory processing and reduce the impact of stress on your perception of sound.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, they can often be managed effectively with the right approach. It is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals to identify the underlying causes and develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses both the auditory and potential vestibular components of your experience.

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