Discomfort and Sensitivity in Right Ear After Using Earbuds: What to Do?

There is some discomfort and a tingling sensation in my right ear when I hear sounds?

A few days ago, I used in-ear headphones quite frequently.
During one instance, the volume suddenly increased too much, and I felt a tingling sensation in my right ear.
Although there was no tinnitus, no pain in the ear, and I could still hear sounds, my right ear became somewhat sensitive to sound afterward.
When I'm not listening to anything, my ear feels a bit numb and stuffy.
When I bring my phone close to my ear, the sound feels somewhat piercing.
Even after switching to over-ear headphones, my right ear still experiences a tingling and uncomfortable sensation, as if the noise is causing pressure, similar to pinching my nose to relieve pressure.
Usually, there is a sound when I exhale, but it seems louder in my right ear.
I would like to know if this is normal.
Should I let my ear rest for a few days for self-healing, or could this be due to long-term headphone use compressing the ear canal? Thank you.

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/03

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for ear pressure testing.
Wishing you safety and well-being.

Reply Date: 2022/10/03

More Info

Experiencing discomfort and sensitivity in your ear after using earbuds can be concerning, especially if you've noticed a change in how your ear responds to sound. Based on your description, it seems that you may be dealing with a few potential issues related to your ear's sensitivity and discomfort.

Firstly, the sensation of tingling or numbness in your ear after exposure to loud sounds, such as when you turned up the volume too high, could indicate a temporary threshold shift in your hearing. This is a common response to loud noises, where the hair cells in the cochlea (the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing) may become overstimulated. While you mentioned that you do not have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or pain, the sensitivity to sound and the feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear could suggest that your ear is reacting to the loud noise exposure.

It's also important to consider the role of earwax buildup. Using earbuds can sometimes push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to a sensation of fullness, discomfort, or even temporary hearing loss. If you have been using earbuds frequently, it might be worth checking if earwax is contributing to your symptoms. However, do not attempt to remove earwax yourself with cotton swabs or other objects, as this can push it further in or cause injury to the ear canal.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing a form of acoustic trauma, which can occur when the ear is exposed to loud sounds for an extended period. This can lead to a temporary or, in some cases, permanent change in hearing sensitivity. The fact that you feel discomfort when sounds are near your ear suggests that your ear may still be recovering from the exposure to loud noise.

In terms of management, it is advisable to give your ears a break from earbuds and loud environments for a few days. This rest period can help your ears recover from any potential overstimulation. During this time, try to avoid loud noises and give your ears a chance to return to their normal sensitivity levels. If the discomfort persists or worsens, or if you notice any changes in your hearing, it would be prudent to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination and possibly conduct a hearing test to assess any changes in your auditory function.

In summary, while it is possible that your symptoms may resolve with rest and reduced exposure to loud sounds, it is essential to monitor your condition. If you experience persistent discomfort, changes in hearing, or any new symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Protecting your hearing is crucial, so consider using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs in loud environments and limit the volume when using earbuds in the future.

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