I have a rumbling noise and an earache. Is it due to earbud use?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was on a call with one earbud in on the right, and I was jogging to the bus stop. When I reached it, I pulled the earbud on the right off, and suddenly, within seconds, the noise was hollow and disorienting.
There is a rumbling noise in my left ear, and my voice sounds like it is underwater.
I could still hear it; it is just a slight rumbling on the left, and my voice sounds slightly funky. Other voices sound a bit echoing and farther, definitely at least different or disorienting.
A while later, now I do feel a slight ache in my left ear, but no fluid discharge, and hearing seems to be a bit better. It still seems slightly off.
What could it be?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The sudden hollow, disorienting hearing with rumbling in your left ear and an underwater-sounding voice after removing the right earbud can be explained by a few possible mechanisms:
It could be a protective reflex of the middle ear muscles, especially the tensor tympani muscle, that contract involuntarily in response to sudden changes in sound or pressure. This contraction can cause a muffled, rumbling sensation and altered perception of your own voice.
The sensation of voice sounding underwater and echoey, distant sounds may be related to temporary eustachian tube dysfunction or subtle negative pressure in the middle ear that occurred during jogging or due to earbud use.
This can cause muffled hearing and a feeling of ear fullness without fluid discharge, along with a slight earache. The rumbling noise and altered auditory perception might be related to mild, temporary middle ear muscle spasms, which are generally benign and self-limited.
However, if symptoms progress or hearing worsens, it could be early signs of middle ear issues that require evaluation. Use of earbuds can sometimes cause irritation or minor pressure changes in the ear canal and middle ear, contributing to discomfort and altered auditory sensations shortly after removal.
Given the sudden onset, slight ache, and altered hearing but no fluid discharge, this most likely represents a benign temporary middle ear muscle spasm or eustachian tube pressure change.
However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or if you develop additional signs like vertigo, sustained hearing loss, or discharge, prompt ENT (ear, nose, and throat) evaluation is warranted to rule out infection, middle ear barotrauma, or other pathological causes.
For now, keep the ear dry and avoid inserting objects. Avoid loud noises and the use of earbuds until symptoms resolve. Monitor hearing and pain intensity. Seek medical review promptly if symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
How do hearing tests work?
Are muffled hearing, ear fullness, and a cotton-like sensation in the ear symptoms of Reiter's-Ear-Kiss syndrome?
Is ear pain and swollen cheek after tooth extraction normal?
Are ear pain, cough, and fever symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
Heart murmurs - Causes, Symptoms, Risk, Diagnosis and Treatment
Can a loud blast cause muffled hearing and ear clogging?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.