Audiology/Otolaryngology/Drumming, spasms in inner ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/17/2009


Question
Is there treatment available for this condition?  The drumming results in the opening and closing of ear drum, when closed I hear nothing, opens and hear well.  The condition occurs about 1 week out of the month.  Now it is becoming more frequent.  An
ENT I went to said to consider clipping the nerves in my inner ear.  I believe he referred to the typani nerve.  I have a feeling that I have fluid build up during this period of time, resulting in the "drumming" sound.  "on, off, on, off" sometimes helped by antihistamines, or if caught early enough, a fan or motor noise.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Hi Robert,
The condition your ENT suspects is myoclonus of the tensor tympani.  This is a rapid contraction of the tensor tympani muscle in the middle ear that causes that fluttering sound. It can give you the feeling of fluid buildup.  One of the treatments is surgical however, there are several less invasive treatments that can be tried first, such as using muscle relaxants.  You may also want to consult a neurologist, as tensor tympani myoclonus may be a symptom of another disorder.

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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