Audiology/Otolaryngology/popping left ear on listening

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 6/22/2008


Question
I have a strange problem. If I hold a phone to my right ear then my left ear pops in response to the persons voice. The faster they speak the more the left ear pops to the point where it is difficult to tell what they are saying. If I reverse the ears and listen in the left ear the right ear does not pop. There is slight reduced hearing in my right ear. I sing alto in a choir. When the choir is singing loudly in full song this too sets off a mad popping/rattling in my right ear. I do not have earache particularly just ocaisionally. My nose does not run. My Doc tells me I have a blocked eustacian tube but sudafed and anti dizzy/sick pills along with pressure manouvres ahve not shifted this problem, although it did improve it and the dizziness is gone. I also have  problematic TMJD. Any advice please.

Answer
Hi Sue,
From what you described, you may have something called stapedial myoclonus, which is a rhythmic contraction of one of the middle ear muscles.  This may be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, or it may just exist on its own.  It may be caused by any number of factors.  There is a simple test for it that may be performed in the ENT office or by an audiologist. If it turns out to be SM, your doctor may prescribe a simple anti-anxiety medication to help calm the nerve.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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