Is Hearing a Metal-Like Ring from Talking or Ambient Sounds a Part of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

[jdiamond]

Hi everyone.

For the past week now, I've been experiencing a weird metal-like ring after I talk or hear noises, but it stops when I stop talking or when there's not much noise. I also have tinnitus in my left ear, so I've been taking care of my ears for quite some time now. I don't use headphones or participate in any loud activities

I noticed about a week ago that my right ear started with this low-volume tone, and I can't really pop it with yawning or any manual method. The tone has stopped, but now I have this weird after-ring that activates when I talk/stop talking or when there's noise. I read somewhere that it could be an ETD symptom, but I'm unsure.

I've had situations in the past, though, where my ear wouldn't pop and get better on its own, but I never had that symptom of hearing a ring after talking, during talking, or when there's noise present.

I'm hoping for some answers or similar stories. Thanks.

 

[beefling]

It sounds like what you're describing could potentially be a reactive form of tinnitus or dysacusis! The metal-like ring you experience, do you find it's something you can hear in your ears/head, or is it mixed in with the noise that's triggering it? If it's the former, it's more likely reactive tinnitus, and if it's the latter, I'd put my money on dysacusis. I myself suffer from bad dysacusis and get a lot of reactivity that I can hear coming from the source of the noise itself. Once the noise stops, so too does the reactivity—no lingering effects.

Also, do you experience the metal ring with any music, or is it mostly just ambiance/talking?

 

[Nick47]

This sounds like reactive tinnitus, which often comes from noise-induced hearing damage that accumulates over the years.

Do not wear headphones or earbuds and avoid loud environments.

Good luck, @jdiamond.

 

[jdiamond]

It sounds like what you're describing could potentially be a reactive form of tinnitus or dysacusis! The metal-like ring you experience, do you find it's something you can hear in your ears/head, or is it mixed in with the noise that's triggering it? If it's the former, it's more likely reactive tinnitus, and if it's the latter, I'd put my money on dysacusis. I myself suffer from bad dysacusis and get a lot of reactivity that I can hear coming from the source of the noise itself. Once the noise stops, so too does the reactivity—no lingering effects.

Also, do you experience the metal ring with any music, or is it mostly just ambiance/talking?

Hey, thanks for the reply.

I don't hear it while listening to music; it's not that noticeable during music. I hear it slightly while I talk, but I hear it almost immediately after I stop talking, almost like an after-effect. I feel like I hear it mostly in my head when it happens. That metallic-like sound is more prominent when I breathe out; I hear it slightly underneath the sound of me breathing out, but the more suddenly I stop, the more it sticks out.

I just don't know why something like this would start out of the blue. I don't wear headphones or earbuds or expose my ears to anything loud. I'm probably going more toward the side of ETD, as my right ear won't pop—no matter what I do.

 

[beefling]

Hey, thanks for the reply.

I don't hear it while listening to music; it's not that noticeable during music. I hear it slightly while I talk, but I hear it almost immediately after I stop talking, almost like an after-effect. I feel like I hear it mostly in my head when it happens. That metallic-like sound is more prominent when I breathe out; I hear it slightly underneath the sound of me breathing out, but the more suddenly I stop, the more it sticks out.

I can't say for sure if this is precisely something like dysacusis, but if it is, you have a good chance of it clearing up over time. Stay the course, and don't subject yourself to any harmful levels of noise.

I just don't know why something like this would start out of the blue. I don't wear headphones or earbuds or expose my ears to anything loud. I'm probably going more toward the side of ETD, as my right ear won't pop—no matter what I do.

Do you suffer from acid reflux regularly? Even if you don't notice it (silent reflux), it can cause damage to your Eustachian tubes. That's one probable cause. The other usual suspects include things like TMJ, Bruxism, and involuntary neck/back tension. Do you notice any soreness in those areas, particularly when you wake up?