Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 10/27/2008

Question
I work in a paper mill company with a lot of loud noises. Some noises are high pitch safety valves,large motors & pumps, & various sounding alarms. Recently mandatory hearing protection came in to effect. I have noticed a slight rumbling noise in my ears in the past that would come & go. Recently I had two falls one severe that put me in the hospital & I tasted blood but had no outward signs of bleeding. Since the fall MRA'S, CAT SCANS,& ULTRASOUNDS have been done & show no blood clots or even iron traces in the brain.The doctor has me on medications to try & help but I'm told by some that the tests done would have shown if there was a concussion. I have been living in pain with injuries to my neck,back,& shoulder. I have severe numbness shooting down both my arms from my neck. I have suffered extreme dizziness, double vision, unbearable pressure on the skull & this noise a deep humming vibration that seems to get worse with exertion,stress,& increased heart rate it is driving me nuts. If I plug my ears it seems to stop. Please can you advise me

Answer
Hi William,
With the description of your injuries, any number of factors can be causing the humming.  But two things come to mind that you haven't mentioned: one is a perilymphatic fistula (PLF) and the other is possibly superior canal dehiscence (SCD).  Both of these can cause your symptoms and can be the result of head injury.  The test for PLF is rather simple and most audiologists can perform it.  SCD requires special testing, known as Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) that a few audiologists can do.  SCD can only be seen in a high resolution CT scan.  Here is information on both: http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/unilat/fistula.html  I would advise that you return to an ear specialist and discuss these symptoms and possibilities with him.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology