The Strange Sensation of Fluttering in My Ear
Whenever I rest on my right side, I experience a sudden and intense fluttering sensation accompanied by a sound that resembles a creature with wings beating rapidly in my ear. This occurrence manifested last night while I was asleep, and it even infiltrated my dreams, where I vividly recalled being shot in the ear. I doubt that this is merely tinnitus, as I’ve been familiar with that condition my whole life, and this feeling is distinctly different from what I’ve known before. I am a 20-year-old female currently taking escitalopram.
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 9:01:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing a fluttering sensation in your ear, especially one that's new and accompanied by a distinct sound, can be concerning. This may be related to a few different things, including muscle spasms in the ear (myoclonus), issues with your Eustachian tube, or even changes in pressure in your ear. It's good that you recognize this sensation as different from your typical experience with tinnitus.
Explanation:
The fluttering sensation you describe could potentially be due to muscle contractions in the ear, known as middle ear myoclonus. These spasms can produce unusual sounds and sensations but are often benign. Additionally, lying on one side might affect ear pressure or provoke other sensations that are usually not felt when upright.
Next Steps:
- Position Change: When lying down, try varying your position slightly to see if that alleviates the sensation.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of when these sensations occur, including any associated activities or positions, to track patterns or triggers.
- Manage Stress: Since you are on escitalopram, it's important to monitor your overall stress and anxiety levels, as heightened anxiety can sometimes exacerbate perceptions in the ear.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from loud noises or environments that may further irritate your auditory system.
If these sensations continue or worsen, or if you start experiencing other symptoms such as hearing loss or pain, it would be advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Please keep an eye on how you feel, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
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