Hearing Loss/Pressure After Tympanometry

[Marceline]

Hi, I'm Marceline. 22 years old, from Germany.

I suffer from hyperacusis all my life. Everything I hear is to loud from me. From my childhood on, I'm always super-carefully about protecting my ears. Never went to cinema, never to football games or to discothek, because I can't stand it. I'm mostly even don't listen to music, cause it hurts my ear.

So at October 22th I was in a Math lecture at university, sitting to near at the boxes. It hurt my left ear and I thought my my hearing was made worse after this. Hearing everything a little dull.

After 4 weeks, at November 22th I went to ENT. Turn out it was just imagination and a little bit cerumen in left ear. We made a hearing test in a chamber and I was reassured everything was ok.

I literally went out the door, but the nurse called me back, saying that we also have to do a Tympanometry test. I've never heard anything about Tympanometry tests and said, that the results were OK and nothing to fear, but she insisted me to do it, otherwise - in her words - the hearing test results would be falsified.

She did a sound in my right ear (my good ear, which was ok all the time) and then a pressure came to my ear. It felt like my ear would puff up. After ca 15 seconds a loud ring tone came. I screamed and she put it out of my ear.
Then she reassured me, that everyone would do this test and it would be ok, that you hear a little bit less after this, but it would disappear after a few hours.

Now it's over 3 weeks and I still hear less. I feel pressure on my right ear and can't make pressure equalization. When I'm yawning, I only feel it on my left ear, not anymore on the right ear. There's also a soowsh in my right ear now, but very quietly. I also don't feel sound waves anymore on my ear. Before the Tympanometry test, it always hurt my ear, when I listen to music and I felt the sound-waves in my ear, but now I'm only recognizing the sound-waves on my left ear.

I've read in this forum now, that some user here did also Tympanometry test and suffer after this. Did it become any better or does this stay?

 

[Contrast]

I am actually terrified you had hyperacusis your entire life, you could have been born with hearing damage?

Remember audiograms only test up to 8khz, they don't test extended Frequency's and they don't test in complex listening environments such as music. In other words the test most ENT's use to check for hearing loss are extremely inaccurate in determining if the cochlea/inner ear is damaged and are only used for determining how well one hears in the human voice range in a quiet room.

http://hyperacusisfocus.org/innerear/

 

[Marceline]

Hi Contrast, thanks for your reply.

The audio-test was ok. I was in a soundproof chamber and very quiet tones came to my ear via headphone. Nothing unpleasant.

The thing that worries me, is the Tympanometry-test I did after this and which was completetely unnecessary. I also talked to the doctor after that, and she told me, that there wasn't even planned a tympanometry-test for me and the nurse did confuse something.

I'm worring, that the ear pressure, caused by tympanometry, did damage something in my ear. It could also be possible, that the sounds caused something. Wikipedia says, that the sounds of tympanometry-tests were about 90 - 115 dz - a big NoNo for hyperacusis-people! It was only 10 - 15 seconds, but that could be enough to permanetly damage my ear.

Now I don't feel any pain on my right ear, when I'm hearing loud noises. I'm not "feeling" noises or sound vibration at all anymore. Everything feels numb on the right ear. On the left ear - where I refused to do tympanometry test - I don't have this syntomps.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I feel pressure on my right ear and can't make pressure equalization.

This is called a "full ear sensation" or "aural fullness". It is a sign that your ear got hurt. Ears take forever to heal. There is a good chance that your ear fullness will go away within the next 12-24 months. Don't try to do a Valsalva maneuver, as it won't get rid of your aural fullness.

There's also a soowsh in my right ear now, but very quietly.

It sounds like Tonic tensor tympani syndrome (TTTS). It also takes a year or two to clear. Sometimes TTTS and ear fullness become permanent, but right now it makes sense to assume that eventually you will make a full recovery.

 

[Marceline]

Thanks for your help, Bill Bauer.

So, do you think it will recover, right? I never ever had anything in my ear, because it hurts me too much. As I said, I can't even stand headphones. The nurse didn't told me what Typmanometry is and I was shocked, as I heard the loud ringing sounds with 115 dz right in my ear. I had never been exposed those noises directly in my ear, in my entire life.
I have the theory, that probably my hair cells folded, but I'm not a expert.

I'm also questioning, if the "artificaly ear pressure", which was generated by the Tympanometry, did cause any damage.

After the Tympanometry-test I came back in the doctors office and she told me, that it was mistake from the nurse, and she normaly would'nt to Tympanometry-test with people with hyperacusis, because they mostly can't stand it. She also told me, that she has some hyperacusis-patients, who could'nt stand it, when she puts her monitoring equiqment in their ears.

At the end, she told me, that it would go away the next days and I should forget about it. Now its over three weeks and it still feels like having a plug in my right ear and sometimes it drives me crazy

 

[Bill Bauer]

do you think it will recover, right?

I got a full ear sensation and TTTS about two years ago. Both got a lot better within the first 6 months. After a year, they were no longer a problem. I still get TTTS episodes once in a while these days, but they are very minor and don't last very long. Many others on this forum had similar experiences with those two symptoms.

I heard the loud ringing sounds with 115 dz right in my ear

How many seconds did it last?

In any case, focus on getting through the next year or two (or whatever time it takes for you to get better), don't think about the long run. For now, you have every reason to assume that this will be temporary.

 

[Marceline]

How many seconds did it last?

It started with generating the artifical pressure on the ear. Felt like the ear would puff up. This was circa 10 seconds. Very unpleasant, but didn't really hurt. But felt kinda weird.
Then the ringing noise started, it came louder and louder. After 10 seconds I was screaming and the nurse put it out.
So the tests was ca. 20 - 30 seconds. Long enough to cause damage.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Long enough to cause damage.

You will be able to find out whether or not it had caused long-term damage only after 6-12 months. If things will begin improving by that time, you won't need to worry about the damage.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

After the Tympanometry-test I came back in the doctors office and she told me, that it was mistake from the nurse, and she normaly would'nt to Tympanometry-test with people with hyperacusis, because they mostly can't stand it. She also told me, that she has some hyperacusis-patients, who could'nt stand it, when she puts her monitoring equiqment in their ears.

I think you should consult a lawyer and sue this doctor for medical malpractice. She even admits that performing the test on you was a mistake. Even if your ear gets better, you deserve compensation for what this doctor has done.

 

[Marceline]

She's acutally a nice doctor. Everyone loves her because she's super-friendly with everyone and takes care of the individual needs of the patients. She's not the one to blame.

The nurse urged me to do this, lying about, not doing the test would falsify the result, and that little children would perform it everyday without problems. blablablablabla.

I bet this gauge never was tested on people with Hyperacusis, so of course "regular" people haven't any problems with it.

And what would I have if I accuse her? All I want is that this nightmare with my ear ends....

 

[Juan]

Hi, I'm Marceline. 22 years old, from Germany.

I suffer from hyperacusis all my life. Everything I hear is to loud from me. From my childhood on, I'm always super-carefully about protecting my ears. Never went to cinema, never to football games or to discothek, because I can't stand it. I'm mostly even don't listen to music, cause it hurts my ear.

So at October 22th I was in a Math lecture at university, sitting to near at the boxes. It hurt my left ear and I thought my my hearing was made worse after this. Hearing everything a little dull.

After 4 weeks, at November 22th I went to ENT. Turn out it was just imagination and a little bit cerumen in left ear. We made a hearing test in a chamber and I was reassured everything was ok.

I literally went out the door, but the nurse called me back, saying that we also have to do a Tympanometry test. I've never heard anything about Tympanometry tests and said, that the results were OK and nothing to fear, but she insisted me to do it, otherwise - in her words - the hearing test results would be falsified.

She did a sound in my right ear (my good ear, which was ok all the time) and then a pressure came to my ear. It felt like my ear would puff up. After ca 15 seconds a loud ring tone came. I screamed and she put it out of my ear.
Then she reassured me, that everyone would do this test and it would be ok, that you hear a little bit less after this, but it would disappear after a few hours.

Now it's over 3 weeks and I still hear less. I feel pressure on my right ear and can't make pressure equalization. When I'm yawning, I only feel it on my left ear, not anymore on the right ear. There's also a soowsh in my right ear now, but very quietly. I also don't feel sound waves anymore on my ear. Before the Tympanometry test, it always hurt my ear, when I listen to music and I felt the sound-waves in my ear, but now I'm only recognizing the sound-waves on my left ear.

I've read in this forum now, that some user here did also Tympanometry test and suffer after this. Did it become any better or does this stay?

If I were you, I would start taking corticoids as soon as possible, Deflazacort or Dacortin may help, check with your doctor.

The tympanometry does not usually damage normal people, but it can damage hyperacusic ears, as the sounds go over 100 dbs just for a second, but the tympanometer is right inside your ear, it is very loud. Some doctors perform the tympanometry without sound, without the beep, and use the beeping tones (tones going up in volume) only to check the stapedial reflex.

 

[Marceline]

Thanks for your reply, Juan. I don't get a point:

Some doctors perform the tympanometry without sound, without the beep, and use the beeping tones (tones going up in volume) only to check the stapedial reflex.

What do you mean, they perform it without at the beep and use beeping tones instead? Isn't it the same?
In my case, there was a beeping tone, that grows in volume. It was ca 10 seconds in my ear, until I screamed and couldn't stand it anymore. So there was a beep, and it was also a growing in volume. I don't know what you mean.

And yes, the way people react is very different. I came home and panicked about doing the test. Then my mother was so annoyed and shocked about my hyperreaction, that she went to the ENT and did the same test, with the same device and the same nurse. Without any problems.

 

[Juan]

What do you mean, they perform it without at the beep and use beeping tones instead? Isn't it the same?
In my case, there was a beeping tone, that grows in volume. It was ca 10 seconds in my ear, until I screamed and couldn't stand it anymore. So there was a beep, and it was also a growing in volume. I don't know what you mean.

That's probably an stapedial reflex test used to complete the information obtained in a tonal audiogram (the audiograms are pretty much useless in many cases). To test the reflex of the stapedius muscle the beep goes in volume at around 100 dbs.

The tympanogram can be performed just delivering a pressure wave on to your ears without any beep. This is another way of measuring the pressure inside your ears, without a beep and without testing the reflex of the stapedius muscle.

 

[Marceline]

Thanks again for your help, Juan.
ok, so they did it do test the stapedial reflex? Honestly, I don't want they've done to me.

It's 27 Days now, I still got the feeling of pressure in the ear and listen everything dumb in my right ear. When something's loud, it doesn't bother me anymore on the right ear anymore. Before I did this test, I was always panicked if someone just speaks a little louder and everything hurts.

Now it is just the left ear hurting, when something is loud, so my right ear can't react to sounds anymore. Probably caused by the stapedial reflex? Is it possible that my eardrum get damaged by this pressure and loud beeps and now that's the reason, everything feels dump.

 

[Johan_L]

The tympanogram can be performed just delivering a pressure wave on to your ears without any beep. This is another way of measuring the pressure inside your ears, without a beep and without testing the reflex of the stapedius muscle.

Can the pressure wave tympanogram without the beep cause T or H? (for those like us who are damaged/fragile)

 

[dingaling]

@Marceline

This is classic acoustic shock from an unexpected stapedial reflex test and is a contraindication to anyone with hyperacusis.

Do you remember telling the nurse you had hyperacusis before doing the test?

 

[dingaling]

Can the pressure wave tympanogram without the beep cause T or H? (for those like us who are damaged/fragile)

No

 

[Marceline]

Do you remember telling the nurse you had hyperacusis before doing the test?

No! She saw me went out the door and she told me, that it would cause no harm and a quiet tone. I trusted her.

Today it's 4 weeks. I'm question myself why I ever allowed this to myself. Thinking the test had made things permanetly worse

 

[dingaling]

No! She saw me went out the door and she told me, that it would cause no harm and a quiet tone. I trusted her.

Today it's 4 weeks. I'm question myself why I ever allowed this to myself. Thinking the test had made things permanetly worse

@Marceline

Sorry to hear that. It may take time but things will get better. Try not to continue feeling angry and upset as these feelings will only hinder progress

 

[Juan]

Can the pressure wave tympanogram without the beep cause T or H? (for those like us who are damaged/fragile)

No, without sound it shouldnt cause any damage.

 

[Juan]

Thanks again for your help, Juan.
ok, so they did it do test the stapedial reflex? Honestly, I don't want they've done to me.

It's 27 Days now, I still got the feeling of pressure in the ear and listen everything dumb in my right ear. When something's loud, it doesn't bother me anymore on the right ear anymore. Before I did this test, I was always panicked if someone just speaks a little louder and everything hurts.

Now it is just the left ear hurting, when something is loud, so my right ear can't react to sounds anymore. Probably caused by the stapedial reflex? Is it possible that my eardrum get damaged by this pressure and loud beeps and now that's the reason, everything feels dump.

All these things take a long time to settle. If the feeling of not hearing well on your right ear does not go away in another month, then start worrying. Take into accound ordinary hearing problems like inflammation may take like 2-3 months to go away completely.

Try the corticoids, see if they help.. you lose nothing if you try, just visit the doctor and see what he or she says about corticoids.

 

[Marceline]

@Marceline
Try not to continue feeling angry and upset as these feelings will only hinder progress

Yeah, I'm struggeling with panic attacts and uncomfortable feelings, which makes it even worse. Always have to think about it. I can't focus on studying or something else.

It feels like having imaginary plugs in the ear all the time.

Try the corticoids, see if they help.. you lose nothing if you try, just visit the doctor and see what he or she says about corticoids.

The thing is, that I'm afraid to visit the doctor again, so that she performs another test and makes it even worse. Can't trust ENT anymore, sadly.

 

[Juan]

The thing is, that I'm afraid to visit the doctor again, so that she performs another test and makes it even worse. Can't trust ENT anymore, sadly.

Go to another doctor, even the general practice doctor. Prescription of corticoids for hearing issues, specially sudden or temporary hearing loss caused by loud noise, is very standard.

 

[Jenny_S]

Hi @Marceline
Unfortunately I had a traumatic experience from a Tympanogram at an ENT in late September. I didn't expect this test and it was done without any explanation and introduction. It caused both of my ears to pop and click to certain sounds from after the test and to this day. However I didn't feel pain or pressure like you are experiencing.
Now my right ear is pretty much back to normal while my left is better but is still affected.
As you have hyperacusis, you are aware the best thing is to probably give your ears peace and quiet and time.

I wish you a speedy recovery.
P.S. I'm a massive Adventure time fan too. Lumpy Space Princess is my girl.

 

[dpdx]

Please avoid Caloric Test, Acoustic Reflex, ECOG, CVEMP, ear irrigation, microsuction, etc you are going to damage your hearing further. Once you damage it there is no going back.

 

[brighterdays]

Hi Marceline,

My tinnitus started Sept 2017 after getting a root canal procedure done where the endodontist used ultrasonic instrumentation. I got habituated to living with the T and it was manageable even at night. A week ago I made the mistake of going to an ENT and not being prepared for the appointment. I made the appointment to address unrelated symptoms to my T. I did mention my T and had no idea the ENT would suddenly do a tympanometry test. I did not decline the test even though my gut told me to. He ran the test 3 times in each ear. RIDICULOUS! My T has definitely spiked and now I have pressure changes in my ears similar to what you described. Today I was talking to someone after a bike ride and it was as if I had water in my ear. Also, sometimes when I swallow my ears make a popping sound. I am so frustrated that I ever went to that ENT. I paid money for this new stress and anxiety. So wrong! I appreciate the others who have posted the symptoms we are experiencing will go away with time. Our minds are powerful and we can heal from this!

 

[Mister Muso]

I just had a timpanometry test. I explained I had hyperacusis and asked could the minimum volumes possible be used. The audiologist was friendly and understanding, and I didn't find the volume to be too high at the time. Where are people getting these figures of 100dB from? Mine was nothing like that. The instruments are capable of being used for children starting at 40dB.

I'm sorry for those who have had bad experiences with this, and who perhaps didn't have the same level of co-operation from their audiologist, but I hope anyone else going for an audiology test feels encouraged by this. You probably done't actually need a timpanometry test done unless there is suspicion about fluid behind your eardrums, just to rule it out.

We all make mistakes, goodness knows I've made plenty which have led to my current condition.

I do feel some slight fullness and pressure in my bad ear following the exam, and my ringing is slightly elevated, but nothing that doesn't happen in an average day on Planet Tinnitus. I'll see how things go overnight, but if I don't post again it's because things have settled down and there are no further concerns.

 

[Juan]

Yeah, I'm struggeling with panic attacts and uncomfortable feelings, which makes it even worse. Always have to think about it. I can't focus on studying or something else.

It feels like having imaginary plugs in the ear all the time.
The thing is, that I'm afraid to visit the doctor again, so that she performs another test and makes it even worse. Can't trust ENT anymore, sadly.

Did your hearing go back to normal?

 

[Marceline]

Yes it did, but it took me over 3 month to recover from this shock. I strongly warn everyone here with Hyperacusis to avoid these tests. They're not really revealing and if the audiometry doens't show something special, there's absolutely no need of performing a Tympanometry test. The only reason they to this, is that they can settle up 10 $ more for the health insurance bill.

 

[Mila9828]

Yes it did, but it took me over 3 month to recover from this shock. I strongly warn everyone here with Hyperacusis to avoid these tests. They're not really revealing and if the audiometry doens't show something special, there's absolutely no need of performing a Tympanometry test. The only reason they to this, is that they can settle up 10 $ more for the health insurance bill.

Currently experiencing the exact same symptoms as you did! It's been a month and it's been about the same but I've noticed slight improvements. My ear mainly hurts and because I feel that slight pressure it drives me crazy! I've been too scared to be around loud noise because it usually hurts after... but I have exposed myself a few times. I've also had a few breakdowns which has led to screaming... yeah definitely not doing that anymore. Do you have advice on what I can do to make sure I heal? I've been on prednisone for a few weeks and while it helped a bit I still have pain and fullness in my ear. Basically the exact same symptoms you had. I want to protect my hearing as best as I can so I can heal soon, this is all extremely frustrating. Thank you!