Audiology/Otolaryngology/ringing, roaring & distortion

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/15/2009


Question
Hello -I was very sick with the flu about 6 months ago and extremely congested and couldn't hear very well. At the same time I traveled by plane a couple times. I have since recovered and my right ear seems fine, but my left ear is problematic. There is a constant roaring and ringing and a feeling of fullness in my ear -like air pressure. Lower tones seem to be distorted and although I can hear, if I am in a room with background noise, I have trouble distinguishing what is said. I went to a ENT and was told there is no obvious problems -he did a MRI and said it appears as though there is vascular compression -a blood vessel is resting on the auditory nerve. Since I have never had hearing problems before, my question is how does this happen and is there any treatment? It makes it very hard to concentrate at work. I am 62. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Carleen,
Most likely, you've always had this condition but it was only now discovered since your symptoms have worsened.  The technical term for this condition is "vascular compression syndrome of the eighth nerve" or "auditory nerve vascular compression."  If the symptoms persist and become debilitating, the treatment is surgery.  You may want to discuss this with an otoneurologist who specializes in vascular decompression surgery.

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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