Since mid-January my left ear has had a slight ringing in it and doesn't seem to be working as well as it once did, and as well as my right ear currently is. I'm pretty sure I can still hear out of it, but it feels hollow and doesn't feel like a part of my body like my other ear. It's irritating me. What do you think it is?
2007-03-19 15:53:59 · 5 answers · asked by kellz8706 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Was you were exposed to a loud noise in mid-January! If exposed to a loud enough noise and it caused ringing in the ears, you have damaged your ear in that paticular frequency range and the ringing usually last up to a year.
If not, it might be tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that may in time go away. It is not a single disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from this disorder. In almost all cases, only the patient can hear the noise.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can arise in any of the four sections of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. Some tinnitus or head noise is normal. If for example, one goes into a sound proof booth and normal outside noise is diminished, one becomes aware of these normal sounds. We are usually not aware of these normal body sounds, because outside noise "masks" them. Anything, such as wax or a foreign body in the external ear, that blocks these background sounds will cause us to be more aware of our own head sounds. Fluid, infection, or disease of the middle ear bones or ear drum (tympanic membrane) can also cause tinnitus.
I do not believe there is any thing a Doctor can do but I would seek treatment just in case. Going deaf is not my idea of having fun.
GOOD LUCK!
2007-03-20 05:35:20 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jeffrey's answer is a good summary. I agree that you should get it checked out by and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) (you may have to get a referral from your Primary Care Provider, depending on your insurance) or an audiologist. I have had mild tinnitus for almost 2 years now. My ENT told me that it is sometimes caused when the bones in your ear get re-arranged or moved (I forgot how he said this happens). The bad news (frankly) is that there may not be a cure. I'm sure that this isn't what you want to hear, but it's the truth. If what you're hearing is a constant loud ring, I believe that's a bit more "serious". With me, it varies between ringing, white noise, and other variations of these sounds. The ringing sound only occasionally gets loud, and usually doesn't last for very long (usually not more than an hour or so, then it usually quiets down). I was told that if the sound and intensity varies, then it's not as serious and there's a better chance that it will go away over time. WHen mine first started, it was loud for the first few days, and over the last year or so, it has slowly gotten better. I have noticed that it gets bad if I am sick or congested (i use hand sanitizer consistently, and don't get sick often). It has only prevented me from sleeping 3-4 times in the last year or so, and this was mainly when I was sick.
But definately get it checked out by a doctor, and go from there. If you have trouble sleeping, turn on some music or find a mellow tv show to try to drown it out. Also, a nurse told me to restrict how much alcohol is consumed when the ringing is loud, and use decongestants if you need to help clear up your head and open up your sinuses etc.
I think I've kind of rambled here, but I hope this helps.
2007-03-21 05:24:04 · answer #2 · answered by blaze 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-01 05:09:50 · answer #3 · answered by betker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2014-08-16 15:52:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call your family physician. It could be tinnitus.
2007-03-19 15:57:50 · answer #5 · answered by cocacolachickee 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋