Audiology/Otolaryngology/possible tinnitus

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/3/2009


Question
FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS I HAVE HAD A SOUND IN MY RIGHT EAR LIKE A HELICOPTER. ITS NOT AS SLOW AS MY HEARTBEAT. IT COMES AND GOES BUT EXPERIENCED IT MAYBE 25 TIMES. OVER TEN YEARS AGO I USED TO GET A FLUTTERING IN MY EYE, LIKE A MUSCLE SPASM. I HAVEN'T HAD ANYTHING LIKE IT FOR OVER 6 YRS. IS IT LIKELY I NOW HAVE A MUSCLE SPASM IN MY EAR?

Answer
Hi Nan,
There is something known as myoclonus which can cause the muscles in the middle ear to rapidly contract and cause this fluttering sound.  You need to consult a ENT who can have an audiologist conduct certain tests to determine if this is the problem.  It is important to determine if this is the case as, in and of itself myclonus is not serious but it may be a symptom of something else more serious.

Hope this helps.
Dr. 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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