Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I recently began suffering from an odd hearing disorder that I would like your opinion on. While I can understand speech well, my perception of music has changed. The best way I can describe it is that on certain days, more now than not, guitars, and pianos sound out of tune. I make my living working as a sound engineer and this is a problem for me. Now if the weather changes things go back to normal until the barometer stabilizes.
I know this sounds odd but I am at a loss. I have visited a very good ENT and was told that this was the result of hearing loss and tinnitus. I do have some hearing loss above 8k and do hear ringing but I have had that for years. This problem is new. Any opinion would be appreciated.
Thanks
Louis

ANSWER: Hi Louis,
Sounds to me as if you may have some type of Middle Ear problem going on here....especially with the Eustachian tube.  I say that because of your claim that your hearing changes with the weather. Did the ENT have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist?  If not, I suggest that should be your next step. Do you have any allergies?  You may also want to consult an allergist and be tested. Once you have your hearing testing, depending on the exact configuration, you may benefit from the new Open Ear hearing aids.  They will help with the high frequencies while leaving the low frequencies alone - thus making sounds crisper and clearer.  

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Harriet,
thank you so much for your answer. I did have an audiologist check my hearing. The tones, bone inductance, word recognition etc. Low end of my hearing is fine, 4k and up show a roll off. It is symmetrical in both ears. Word recognition was perfect.
I could understand a loss of highs, etc considering the results of the test. What puzzles me is the change that comes with the weather. Seems it would be constant. Is there any test that I should ask for that could prove that this is in the inner ear or Eustachian tube. I do have allergies and use Fluticasone Propionate to help with that.  If there is no solution and this is going to be what I deal with what type of hearing aids do you suggest?
Thanks again
Louis

Answer
Hi Louis,
There is a test for ETD that an audiologist can perform easily.  Another alternative would be to have your audiologist monitor your middle ear status and be tested when you feel "stuffy" and see if there is any difference in test results.

As for a hearing aid, any of the multiple memory aids would be fine.  You could set one program to your "regular" hearing and one for times when you feel "stuffy."

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology