OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Wooshing Sound in Left Ear: A 30-Year-Old's Frustrating Journey

Age: 30 years old Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 2 inches Weight: 190 pounds Ethnicity: White Duration of symptoms: Since late November Affected area: Left ear Current medications: Fluticasone Hello everyone, I’m a 30-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 190 pounds. I've been grappling with a perplexing issue, and so far, the answers I’ve received from numerous healthcare professionals have been frustratingly vague or conflicting. Since around November, I've been experiencing an intermittent pulsating or wooshing sound in my left ear that aligns with my heartbeat. This sensation occasionally occurs when I tilt my head down or sideways, but it can also plague me throughout an entire day, especially on days when I feel particularly drained. During these episodes, it feels as though my ear is stuffed with cotton, muffling my hearing. Recently, I had two days where I was so tired that I slept almost 11 hours each time. Although I've had slight discomfort in my ear, a hearing test confirmed that my hearing remains unaffected. In pursuit of answers, I consulted an allergist, following a recommendation from one of the ENTs, who suspected allergies could be the culprit. However, allergy tests revealed I’m not sensitized to common allergens, including local pollens or pets; I do have allergies to certain types of mold, though. I have seen five different medical providers, including nurse practitioners. Two of them noted the presence of fluid in my middle ear, while the other three asserted that there wasn’t any. My symptoms began shortly after I recovered from a sinus infection, which prompted me to seek help from my primary care physician and subsequently an ENT. The ENT stated my ear canal appeared normal but irritated. I was prescribed a course of steroids, as well as two nasal sprays, Azelastine and Fluticasone, for the last two months, but I haven’t noticed any improvement. Additionally, I tried three over-the-counter ear drops—two for easing ear pain and ringing, and the last for earwax removal (carbamide peroxide 6.5%). Currently, I’m only using the Fluticasone spray and the peroxide ear drops. I’m reaching out because I feel utterly exhausted by this whole ordeal. After my recent appointment, I expressed my irritation about the constant back and forth regarding potential allergies and my growing concern about an underlying issue since nothing has alleviated my symptoms. I inquired about a CT scan to explore further. During this last appointment, a doctor who I hadn't seen before mentioned that I'm too young to have concerns about blood clots or vein issues. He claimed he couldn’t detect a tumor and suggested my symptoms might relate to jaw problems (possibly TMJ), partly due to my Invisalign treatment and tendency to grind my teeth. He indicated that my discomfort wouldn’t resolve until my orthodontic adjustments were completed, which will take almost another year. Consequently, he suggested I would just have to tolerate the sound from my ear but mentioned he could still authorize a CT scan if I felt it was necessary. I agreed to the scan, which is now scheduled, but I’m left questioning its necessity. My frustration mounts as I've repeatedly returned seeking a resolution for my ongoing symptoms, including the extensive allergy tests I’ve undergone. No matter what, I remain without a solution for the persistent noise in my ear, which is driving me to the brink today. Has anyone else experienced something similar, or is what I'm going through merely an excuse for the lack of answers? I also possess an ear camera and have captured images of my ear canal at different times, although I'm unsure if this will contribute to my evaluation. Thank you for any insights you might have.

Answers (1)

4/4/2025, 12:10:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that your persistent wooshing sound in your left ear has been incredibly frustrating, especially after seeking help from multiple healthcare professionals without achieving relief. The symptoms you're describing could potentially be related to several factors, including middle ear issues, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or even jaw-related problems (like TMJ) stemming from your orthodontic treatment.

Understanding Your Symptoms

The wooshing or pulsatile sound that matches your heartbeat typically relates to blood flow or increased sensitivity in the ear structures. Since it's occurring intermittently, especially with head movements and during fatigue, it may suggest issues with fluid in the ear, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or tension from TMJ. The hearing test showing normal results is reassuring, indicating there's likely no significant blockage or damage.

Next Steps

Here are some prioritized actions you can consider:

1. Continue CT Scan as Planned: Since you have already scheduled a CT scan, it’s a good idea to proceed with this. It will provide clearer insights into the structures of your ear and surrounding areas, which could confirm or rule out any anatomical issues. Document any new or changing symptoms to share with your healthcare provider.

2. Jaw and Teeth Management: Given the suggestion of TMJ issues related to your braces, consider strategies to alleviate jaw tension. This includes:

   • Stress Management: Practices such as gentle yoga, stress-relief exercises, or mindfulness can help reduce muscle tension.
   • Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to your jaw can relax the muscles and may reduce discomfort.
   • Avoid Chewy Foods: Reduce chewing gum or hard foods that may aggravate your symptoms.

3. Stay Consistent with Nasal Sprays: Continue using the Fluticasone nasal spray as directed. Sometimes, relief can take longer as it works to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, which may help with drainage and reduce pressure.

4. Monitor Your Activity and Rest: Keep track of your tiredness levels and sleep patterns. Ensure you are getting adequate rest, as fatigue can exacerbate your symptoms.

5. Revisit Ear Care: While ear drops can help in certain circumstances, ensure you are using them appropriately. Since the ENT didn't find blocked earwax, be cautious about overusing drops, as this might lead to irritation.

Emotional Support

It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated with ongoing symptoms, especially when you're not receiving definitive answers. Engaging with support forums or groups for individuals with similar experiences can also be beneficial. This can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.

Conclusion

While you navigate through these challenging symptoms and seek further evaluation, allow some time to see how the current treatments affect your condition. The upcoming CT scan should give you more clarity and guide any further steps. If you have any worsening symptoms, such as sharp pain or persistent dizziness, pay close attention to those changes. I'm here if you need further guidance or have more questions.