Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
When I close my right ear, I hear a very faint sound. And when I open it, the sound goes away. What is that sound?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
This is a normal phenomenon called shielding effect of the pinna. Surrounding noises do not interfere when the ear is shut, so sounds appear different. This effect may be exaggerated in hearing loss also. So, get a pure tone audiometry done, to rule out any hearing loss. Any further questions are always welcome.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I do not have hearing loss, I have already checked it. What is a shielding effect of the pinna mean? Is it tinnitus? I do not hear the sound when my ear is open, I hear it only in the mornings when my ear is shut, and it goes away later in the day.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is not tinnitus if it is only present when the pinna is pressed against the ear canal opening. You try hearing with both ear canal open and then closed, the difference you will experience is the shielding effect.
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Answered byDr. Priyanka Aggarwal
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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