Expert: Ginny Newman - 9/15/2006

Question
Hi I was wondering if you could give me any info.  All day today I have been feeling a fluttering sensation within my left ear.  It's almost as if a fly is buzzing around in there but I don't hear a buzz, just feel the vibrations.  They last for several seconds and keep coming about once every 10-15 minutes or so.  I've always considered myself a little hard of hearing, as I'm asking people to repeat themselves quite alot ever since I can remember.  I am wondering if I should get this checked out or if this is something that will just pass.  I'm 28 years old and I haven't been sick recently or anything.  What do you think?

Answer
Hi Sara,

What you've described could be a couple of things....

First, it may simply be wax in your ear that needs to be taken out.  If it is wax, your physician or an audiologist can remove it for you.  Please do not use Q-tips, ever.  This will only push any wax you do have further into your ear canal.  

Another possible is eustachian tube dysfunction.  Your eustachian tube runs from the midde ear space (behind the ear drum) down to the back of the throat.  This tube opens and closes as need to keep the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum the same.  Sometimes the membrane lining of the tube becomes inflammed and can not open on its own.  This usually results in a feeling of pressure, like when you go up in an airplane.  When you yawn or hold your nose and blow out you are manually popping this tube open.  When this tube is stuck shut, a lot of people will describe the sensation you are experiencing.  Eustachian tube dysfunction is common in people who suffer from allergies or at the beginning or ending of a cold.  

You might find that it goes aways as fast it came.  If it continues to bother you, you might want to go see your primary care physician.  You may just need to have your ear cleaned out.

Good luck to you, I hope you find some relief from it soon.

Dr. Newman