Audiology/Otolaryngology/beating in my left ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 4/29/2009


Question
For the past several days I have been hearing, occassionally throughout the day, a beating or pulsing in my left ear.  It is not my heartbeat.  The noise is like a drum in my ear, only not in any sort of regular beat, and I also feel a slight pulsing type of feeling when it happens.  It doesn't happen all the time, but sporadically throughout the day, sometimes often for several hours and it drives me crazy!!  Pulling on my ear doesn't help, but putting my fingertip inside my ear stops it...while it's inside.  But I can't walk around with my finger in my ear all the time!  Do you know what the problem is?  How to fix it?  Any information you can give me will be appreciated!  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Jessica,
The symptoms you describe can be due to just about anything....from a foreign object in the ear, such as a bug, to a growth in the ear or on the nerve.

You need to consult an ear specialist and an audiologist who can look in your ear to see if there is anything in it as well as evaluate your hearing to determine any dysfunction.

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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