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Audiology/Otolaryngology/whooshing/muffling/shock in head

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 4/24/2009


Question
I am a 50 yo female who has MS.  Back in Jan., I started experiencing this shock like in my head and in that moment I would hear a whooshing sound and my ears felt like they would muffle the whoosh for just a second. At times it is so strong that I actually grab my head and stumble. Sometimes I notice this when I am tired, have had too much caffiene, AND it usually happens nano-seconds after I turn my head. Now today I have had it all day long. What do you sugguest?

Answer
Hi Karil,
The symptoms you experience are not at all uncommon with MS.  Because MS affects neural transmissions, it can affect communication between the hearing and balance portions of the ear and your brain.  

My suggestion is for you to consult your neurologist.  I assume you have one who is treating you for the MS. He will probably refer you to an neuro-otologist (a specialist in neural disorders of the inner ear) who will most likely recommend vestibular testing.  

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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