2. misc-audio
  3. 1376864243

Hearing issue

I have been experiencing a systolic turbulence sound in my left ear before I am fully asleep. It sounds like a periodic subtle or mild rushing or whooshing pulsation along with a very faint heartbeat. I do not notice this when I am active and upright but only while waiting to fall asleep. Has anyone had these symptoms and/or been treated for it?

Several months ago, I had developed a fluid buildup in the same ear behind the eardrum which caused me to lose the hearing in that ear. It was due to an airborne allergy. I was advised by a nurse to take Sudafed and Afrin for three days. I did, it cleared up and my hearing was restored. No similar problem since until this the last few weeks.
kodak805
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
To the doctor you must go, and do it quickly.
czarivey
5,671 posts
 
My ENT does not recommend neither water flushing nor Q-tips. I block my ears from swimming pool or any swimming water with custom ear plugs perfectly fit to my shell(paid just $39 cash to audiologist for fitting and manufacturing) during my periodical aquatic training and do same during showers. He recommends to keep ears as dry as possible so that wax built-up will peel off on its own. Less moisture in your ears will speed up wax fall off.
There are vacuum cleaners for ears, but should be used with caution not to damage your ear drums.

Fluid build-up is definite call to go back to your ENT specialist again.
jig
160 posts
 
Regarding Zd542's suggestion about daily q-tip cleaning, I found this to be a bad idea. I did the very same thing for years on end. I now produce almost no ear wax as a result. Problem is, my ears itch most of the time do to excessive dryness. I am tired of tired of trying to scratch my inner ear with my index finger. We are all anal audiophiles. Daily cleaning is not the way to go. Your particular issue may be a precursor for tinnitus. I agree with others that a ENT doctor visit is a good idea. Don't cheap out on your ears.They're the only pair you have.
kodak805 OP
73 posts
 
I have used an ear wax softener on two alternate days this weekend. In between I irrigated with a bulb syringe and some luke warn water. This seemed to lessen the turbulence noise but not completely eliminate it.

Today I took Zd542's advice regarding equalizing pressure. This has eliminated the muffled sound of my own voice. I will not know if it did anything for the circulation sound until I retire for the night.

I do have sinus and allergy issues. The Great Smoky Mountain region where I reside is the airborne antigen capital of the U.S. If you Google this problem the causes are many from minor to very serious. I have a Dr. appointment scheduled for next week.
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I wouldn't do the equalization thing without consulting your doctor first.
More to discover