Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/9/2009

Question
If I listen to headphones, mid to high range frequencies become distorted in my left ear if my head is tilted to the left. It's been like this for years and usually isn't a problem because my hearing returns to normal when I straighten my head or tilt it to the right.

There are times though that this distortion happens in inconvenient situations. When a dentist was drilling a tooth, the distortion was almost unbearably loud. I've also been in situations where I'm in a loud environment and peoples voices will become distorted in a way that is very annoying.

I've been to an ent and I guess every thing is normal, but I'm still wondering what might cause this and if there's anything that can be done about it.

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Jason,
Sometimes turning the head may result in a change of blood flow to an ear (carotid blockage), change in the function of the Eustachian tube, or put pressure on a nerve - all of these may cause distortion.  

The first thing you need to do is consult an audiologist and have a complete audiological evaluation. Many audiologists will even test you in that position to determine if you are indeed experiencing distortion Based on the results of that test, an ENT would be able to determine if further testing is necessary and then the necessary treatment.

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