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What Causes Whooshing Sounds In Ear?
Question: I have a problem with my right ear that started about four months ago.
The first symptom that I noticed occurred suddenly; I felt a sudden sensation of pressure change to the side of my head - as if something had just travelled past my ear very fast. From that moment I was troubled with periods (1-2 hours at a time, several times per day) of my own voice resonating strongly in the affected ear when I speak or hum. In addition I get a random booming sensation in my ear whenever I hiccup. Usually two "booms", like two beats of a drum.
Other troubling symptoms include:
- When I pop my ears (Valsalva manoeuvre) I hear a brief whooshing sound (flow of air?) on the affected side
- I feel a constant pressure in my neck, like muscle ache or like my head is more heavy than usual.
- Sensation of fullness in ear.
One symptom that I have not noticed is any sort of loss of hearing. As far as I can tell I can still hear perfectly from both ears.
I went to my GP who looked inside my ear and diagnosed a blocked Eustachian tube- a symptom of hay fever (I have had hay fever for 25 years, and never personally experienced these symptoms before). I usually manage my hay fever with fluticasone propionate.
He prescribed fexofenadine (120 mg once per day) and told me to continue using fluticasone propionate (200 mcg per day)
After three months I ran out of fexofenadine, however whilst I was taking them my ear issue did not improve, and since stopping taking them it has not got any worse.
The grass pollen season here (UK) is more or less over, and I am still having these very troubling symptoms that are seriously affecting my quality of life and ability to do my job effectively. At this point I am beginning to think this may be a more serious issue.
The first symptom that I noticed occurred suddenly; I felt a sudden sensation of pressure change to the side of my head - as if something had just travelled past my ear very fast. From that moment I was troubled with periods (1-2 hours at a time, several times per day) of my own voice resonating strongly in the affected ear when I speak or hum. In addition I get a random booming sensation in my ear whenever I hiccup. Usually two "booms", like two beats of a drum.
Other troubling symptoms include:
- When I pop my ears (Valsalva manoeuvre) I hear a brief whooshing sound (flow of air?) on the affected side
- I feel a constant pressure in my neck, like muscle ache or like my head is more heavy than usual.
- Sensation of fullness in ear.
One symptom that I have not noticed is any sort of loss of hearing. As far as I can tell I can still hear perfectly from both ears.
I went to my GP who looked inside my ear and diagnosed a blocked Eustachian tube- a symptom of hay fever (I have had hay fever for 25 years, and never personally experienced these symptoms before). I usually manage my hay fever with fluticasone propionate.
He prescribed fexofenadine (120 mg once per day) and told me to continue using fluticasone propionate (200 mcg per day)
After three months I ran out of fexofenadine, however whilst I was taking them my ear issue did not improve, and since stopping taking them it has not got any worse.
The grass pollen season here (UK) is more or less over, and I am still having these very troubling symptoms that are seriously affecting my quality of life and ability to do my job effectively. At this point I am beginning to think this may be a more serious issue.
Brief Answer:
eustachian tube dysfunction
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic,
From your symptoms it appears you have dysfunction of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects the ear to the back of the nose. It maintains atmospheric pressure inside the ear. Blockage of this tube results in symptoms that you have experienced. Blockage of the tube occurs in allergies in the nose, infections in the nose and tumours of the nasopharynx (behind the nose).
Since you have hayfever, it is possible that allergy is the reason for your symptoms.
Along woth the steroid nasal spray, you should also use a decongestant nose drops like Otrivin. Instill 3 drops in each nostril 3 times a day and follow it up with steam inhalation. After this you should use the spray. Do not use the nose drops for more than 6 days. For proper instructions on the correct method of using the drops please read the crimp.
Keep doing valsalva manoeuvre many times a day. Alternately you can also chew gum, it helps to open the tube. Blowing balloons also keeps the tubes patent. Avoid using air conditioining and drink plenty of fluids. Do steam inhalation 5 times daily. All the above measures keep the tube open.
I suggest you also see an ENT specialist to get a nsal endoscopy done. The opening of the eustachian tube can be visualised with this procedure. Any growths or tumour blocking the opening can be ruled out. At your age I do not suspect any tumour. I do not personally think that anything more serious is going on with you
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
eustachian tube dysfunction
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic,
From your symptoms it appears you have dysfunction of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects the ear to the back of the nose. It maintains atmospheric pressure inside the ear. Blockage of this tube results in symptoms that you have experienced. Blockage of the tube occurs in allergies in the nose, infections in the nose and tumours of the nasopharynx (behind the nose).
Since you have hayfever, it is possible that allergy is the reason for your symptoms.
Along woth the steroid nasal spray, you should also use a decongestant nose drops like Otrivin. Instill 3 drops in each nostril 3 times a day and follow it up with steam inhalation. After this you should use the spray. Do not use the nose drops for more than 6 days. For proper instructions on the correct method of using the drops please read the crimp.
Keep doing valsalva manoeuvre many times a day. Alternately you can also chew gum, it helps to open the tube. Blowing balloons also keeps the tubes patent. Avoid using air conditioining and drink plenty of fluids. Do steam inhalation 5 times daily. All the above measures keep the tube open.
I suggest you also see an ENT specialist to get a nsal endoscopy done. The opening of the eustachian tube can be visualised with this procedure. Any growths or tumour blocking the opening can be ruled out. At your age I do not suspect any tumour. I do not personally think that anything more serious is going on with you
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Dear Dr Godhi,
Thank you for your reply.
I have an appointment with an ENT doctor in a few weeks’ time, would you expect that they will perform the endoscopy as part of the initial exam or should I request this specifically?
One thing that I did not mention is that if I poke the back of my throat with my tongue, I can feel that the area on the right side is lumpy compared to the right side. As far as i can tell, the area I am referring to is just below my tonsils. Could this perhaps be relevant?
Would it be considered normal for Eustachian tube dysfunction to affect only one ear? Also, how long can I expect this problem to last for?
Warm Regards,
XXXXXXX
Thank you for your reply.
I have an appointment with an ENT doctor in a few weeks’ time, would you expect that they will perform the endoscopy as part of the initial exam or should I request this specifically?
One thing that I did not mention is that if I poke the back of my throat with my tongue, I can feel that the area on the right side is lumpy compared to the right side. As far as i can tell, the area I am referring to is just below my tonsils. Could this perhaps be relevant?
Would it be considered normal for Eustachian tube dysfunction to affect only one ear? Also, how long can I expect this problem to last for?
Warm Regards,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
ETD can affect one ear
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXXX
If eustachian tube dysfunction lasts for as long as 4 months then your ENT will definitely do a nasal endoscopy.
The lumpy area on the right side of the tongue are lymphoid follicles. Do not worry about it, its normal.
Eustachian tube dysfunction can affect one ear. The problem will last as long as the underlying problem is not solved.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
ETD can affect one ear
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXXX
If eustachian tube dysfunction lasts for as long as 4 months then your ENT will definitely do a nasal endoscopy.
The lumpy area on the right side of the tongue are lymphoid follicles. Do not worry about it, its normal.
Eustachian tube dysfunction can affect one ear. The problem will last as long as the underlying problem is not solved.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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