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Audiology/Otolaryngology/Left ear is muffled, ringing sound

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/25/2009


Question
Dear Ms. Harriet B. Jacobster, Au.D.,

I have a slight hearing problem that has bothered me and I don't know if it's a big enough problem to see a doctor...

About a week and a half ago, I swam in the ocean and got water in my ear.  I could not get the water out of my left ear and popped my ears by blowing my nose, hoping the water would come out.  To my dismay, my left ear was muffled and I heard cracking noises in my left ear.  To this day, my hearing is still a bit muffled and my ear makes ringing noises...

Anytime I have had contact with water, through swimming or showers, my ear makes the cracking noises again, so I will avoid water in my ear until I know what's going on.

Will this problem go away on its own or is this a bit more serious than I think?  If this is a problem that will go away on its own, what can I do to speed recovery?

Thank you for your answer in advance.


Sincerely,
Jean

Answer
Hi Jean,
Since this is obviously an ongoing problem, you need to discuss this with your physician. Without a more detailed history and examination, I cannot tell you what it is and therefore cannot tell you if it will go away or not.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified Doctor of 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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