Audiology/Otolaryngology/Rumble sound in Left Ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/12/2008


Question
Good Morning Doctor. For a few months now I have had a problem in my left that I would best describe as a rumbling almost distant thunder sound. It occurs most often when I am lying sleeping or resting, especially when I am laying on the side of the problem ear(left), then turn over and notice I can not hear clearly and the rumbling is present, within a few seconds it begins to and eventually clears. Another symptom is when I touch the ear and surrounding area the rumble occurs. It also happens with certain pitches and sounds. Please help me ...I am a musician and my ears are everything to me. I did see my primary physician, who cleaned my ears of wax and told me to take Zyrtec to clear everything out, which I did which seemed to help a little but now it(the symptoms)is back with a vengeance.
Thank you for your time.
Best wishes,
            Craig

Answer
Hi Craig,
What you are experiencing may be due to spasms in the middle ear muscles, known as myoclonus.  There is a simple test for this and can be done in an ENT (ear specialist) office by an audiologist. If this is the case, there are several treatments, one of which may be mild muscle relaxants or low-dose sedatives to help calm the nerve. I suggest you consult an ear specialist and have your hearing evaluated, a good idea anyway if you are a musician.
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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