Unexplained Ear Sensations, Sensitivity to Certain Sounds, and Hearing Issues

[JBeep]

Hello!

Hello! I've been experiencing strange symptoms for about a year now, and they seem to be getting worse. I had an audiogram, which showed a dip in the 6 kHz and 30 dB range in my left ear. It's hard to pinpoint the exact cause, but some lower voices and excessive volumes cause cramping sensations in my left ear (inner or middle?). These sensations last as long as the sound source is present. For example, a conversation between men triggers this, but not when women speak in higher pitches.

I also experience sensitivity and irritation to some sounds, like paper bags, water gushing, loud clicks, etc. I had an MRI a few months ago, which showed nothing that explains these symptoms. My ears appear normal and clear according to several ENTs.

In addition, I suffer from migraines and had neck surgery two years ago for a slipped disc. What could this be?

 

[Scruffiey]

Wish I could tell you. I also have a unilateral 30 dB dip at 6 kHz, although I suspect that since it is an octave of my tinnitus frequency, it might be less of a dip and more that I just could not hear the tones. I also experience the cramps. In fact, if I put my finger in my ear canal, I can feel the tight ache.

It is a form of hyperacusis. I also get a wet sensation in my ears, some stabbing pains here and there, and a bit of a raw ear feeling. And yes, it did give me headaches earlier on.

All we can really do is give our ears time to settle down, avoid pushing through pain, and stay away from loud noise.

Unfortunately, while ENTs are good at ruling out serious conditions, beyond that, with the current testing methods available, their guess is probably as good as yours.

 

[mzrach03]

Wish I could tell you. I also have a unilateral 30 dB dip at 6 kHz, although I suspect that since it is an octave of my tinnitus frequency, it might be less of a dip and more that I just could not hear the tones. I also experience the cramps. In fact, if I put my finger in my ear canal, I can feel the tight ache.

It is a form of hyperacusis. I also get a wet sensation in my ears, some stabbing pains here and there, and a bit of a raw ear feeling. And yes, it did give me headaches earlier on.

All we can really do is give our ears time to settle down, avoid pushing through pain, and stay away from loud noise.

Unfortunately, while ENTs are good at ruling out serious conditions, beyond that, with the current testing methods available, their guess is probably as good as yours.

That wet sensation, do you also feel it in other places? I have been getting a wet or cold sensation in other parts of my body. It is so strange.

 

[Scruffiey]

That wet sensation, do you also feel it in other places? I have been getting a wet or cold sensation in other parts of my body. It is so strange.

Warm and down my leg, but I think that might be something else…

No, I can't say I have experienced it anywhere else. At the start of my tinnitus, it felt exactly like I had fluid dripping in my ear, even though there was none according to a GP, at least when I was checked about ten days later. As time went on, it became more like that sensation you get when a bit of water is stuck in your ear and eventually dribbles out.

The best way I can describe it is a warm, dripping feeling, as if something is running out of my ear, even though there is nothing actually there. I still get it sometimes. After a buildup of pressure, it suddenly feels wet for a moment and then releases.

 

[JBeep]

Warm and down my leg, but I think that might be something else…

No, I can't say I have experienced it anywhere else. At the start of my tinnitus, it felt exactly like I had fluid dripping in my ear, even though there was none according to a GP, at least when I was checked about ten days later. As time went on, it became more like that sensation you get when a bit of water is stuck in your ear and eventually dribbles out.

The best way I can describe it is a warm, dripping feeling, as if something is running out of my ear, even though there is nothing actually there. I still get it sometimes. After a buildup of pressure, it suddenly feels wet for a moment and then releases.

I occasionally experience the same occasional dripping sensation. To make things even worse and stranger, I have increased sensitivity on my face. Even the slightest touch to the area around my left eye or cheek causes my left ear to vibrate. It can be nerve-wracking at times.

 

[Scruffiey]

I occasionally experience the same occasional dripping sensation. To make things even worse and stranger, I have increased sensitivity on my face. Even the slightest touch to the area around my left eye or cheek causes my left ear to vibrate. It can be nerve-wracking at times.

That sensation is referred from your trigeminal nerve. It is fluttering your tympani, or the tensor tympani muscle, sometimes known as TTTS (Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome).

I experienced warmth, tension, and some pain in my face, but the ear would flutter on its own, especially when lying down. Most of that has settled now, five months into this ordeal.

I also had one brief episode where my ear vibrated as if a bumblebee were stuck inside it. Fortunately, that has not happened again. Touch wood.

I still cannot tell whether the dripping sensation is related to the Eustachian tube or if it is some kind of nerve issue.