Audiology/Otolaryngology/Fluttering sound in ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/5/2008


Question
I have had a very strange fluttering sound in my left ear.  It is quite irritating.  Coincidently this is the same ear that I was plagued with middle ear infections as a child.  I learned how to avoid them by taking decongestants when any kind of cold symptoms present.  Strangely, I have not had this issue before but it is now happening throughout the day and is very distracting.  Is there anything I can do naturally that will alleviate this symptom?  I cannot stand it.

Answer
Hi Nina,
The fluttering you describe could be a sign of Eustachian Tube dysfunction.  ETD would fit in with your history.  However, there is always a chance that it could be due to something else, for instance, a foreign object in the ear canal.  Is there also a hearing loss?  Is there any pain?  I cannot advise on anything "naturally" until a full diagnostic has been performed.  I suggest you see a physician, preferably an ear specialist, who could look in your ear and make sure there is no urgent medical condition.
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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