About Harriet Jacobster, Au.D. Expertise I can answer questions regarding non-medical treatment of hearing loss such as hearing aids and aural rehabilitation. I am also able to answer your questions regarding hearing testing, what types of tests are appropriate, what information a hearing test gives you and what it doesn't give you. As a classically trained musician, I can also answer issues dealing with hearing loss specific to musicians.
Experience I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with over 25 years' of experience working with both children and adults. I have given lectures on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids to several state chapters of national organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing. I also taught Speech Reading and Aural Rehabilitation both privately and for the Florida Deaf Service Center.
Organizations American Academy of Audiology
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Education/Credentials Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Nova Southeastern University 2000
Question Dear Doctor Jacobster,
I had a tympanometry test, as you advised, which showed that the pressure in my left ear was normal, although on examination,the drum was retracted a few days ago. The right drum still has a T-tube in place and patent.I discovered quite by chance last week that if I yawn I can hear my piano perfectly, just the same as when I perform the Valsalva technique. If I had permanent damage to my inner ear, surely whatever I did,would not make such a difference to my perception of sound. My question is "Do you think I am clutching at straws ?" I have no medical knowledge but I do know exactly what I am hearing in different situations and it does seem that the opening of my eustachian tubes at the pharyngeal end seems to be affecting my hearing.
Answer Hi Brenda,
It is possible to have different "types" of hearing loss at the same time. A Eustachian tube dysfunction cause what is known as a "conductive" hearing loss, i.e, a loss in the way sound is delivered, or conducted, to the inner ear. At the same time, you can also have a "sensorineural" hearing loss, i.e., a loss that affects the nerves of the inner ear and/or beyond. This loss can also cause distortion. By your description, it sounds as if you have both. Having a closed Eustachian tube is very much like going up in an airplane: your ears clog, everything sound booming and distorted, and then a yawn will clear everything up. So, I do not think you are clutching at straws.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
