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Suggest Treatment For Fluttering Sensation In The Ear

Posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015

Question: For the last three days. My left ear keeps fluttering periodically throughout the day and it gets worse if I burp. It's only the left ear and there is no pain or itching just s fluttering vibration like sound. It doesn't appear to be going away. I do suffer from allergies like sneezing and a runny nose but it's nothing new so I can't see how that would be it.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
These sounds are common and should settle down.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The reason for the fluttering getting worse after a burp is due to air flow in the Eustachian Tube that connects the middle ear and the nose.

2. The fluttering is either due to the same Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) or a myoclonus of the tiny muscles connecting the ear bones (ossicles) or the muscles of the palate that open and close the Eustachian Tube. Sometimes it is related to a Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD).

3. These sounds are common and should settle down, either on their own or by a routine medication of anti-allergic decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory medication and steam inhalation. Rarely is any antispasmodic or anti epileptic medication required.

4. An Impedance Audiogram can measure middle ear pressures. Get a dental opinion. Upload the test and examination results for more treatment options.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Ok I was worried it could be permanent damage due to hearing loss. Sounds like not? Also, could it be due to a wax buildup? I had read that could be a cause. If it persists should I see a Dr.? If so, an ENT or general practitioner?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult an ENT Specialist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. When you go for the Impedance Audiogram, the ears will be checked to rule out ear wax buildup.

2. This will not cause any permanent hearing loss.

3. You should consult an ENT Specialist.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (43 hours later)

I went to a primary care Dr because it got worse yesterday and kept fluttering for long periods of time all night long and wasn't triggered by burping or yawning as it was before. She hadn't heard of this before, looked in my ear and said it looked fine. Said to take mucinex and come back in 2 days if it didn't go away. It this a good prognosis?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. You have to try medication first.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes, as mentioned in the first answer, you must take medication first.

2. If this subsides no further treatment is necessary.

3. If there is no improvement, get the audiometry tests done.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar