Audiology/Otolaryngology/Ear pain

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/9/2008


Question
I have had four surgeries on my right ear three were a patch for perforated ear drum. The last was a permanent tube due to scar tissue and a weak ear drum. I have noticed in the last six months extreme pain when subjected to loud noises? It takes sometimes an hour for the pain to stop. I have gone to two doctors on three different occasions but they says they see nothing wrong. I am getting scared because the pain is worse and more frequent now. My problems have always been caused by frequent infections why would loud noises bother me now??  

Answer
Hi Virginia,
Ear pain caused by loud noises is usually the result of neurological damage to the ear. The damage is usually in the inner ear; however, there may also be damage to the nerves and muscles in the middle ear that contract to protect the ear from loud noises.  This may or may not be the result of the surgeries.  When was the last time you had a complete audiological evaluation? You need to see if your hearing has gotten worse. Is the pain only in the right ear?  If so, you may need a test to evaluate the auditory nerve as well.  In the meantime, you should consider avoiding loud noises - a good idea anyway - and the use of ear protection.
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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