Persistent Muffled Sensation in Left Ear
I'm 18 years old and for over a year now, I've experienced a peculiar sensation in my left ear, akin to being submerged in water. Alongside this unwelcome feeling, I’ve had occasional mild pressure and persistent tinnitus affecting both ears. Interestingly, whenever I manipulate my jaw, similar to a motion made to relieve ear pressure, I hear a crackling or squishing noise. About a year ago, I consulted with an ear, nose, and throat specialist regarding the tinnitus. At that time, they confirmed there was no wax blockage and my overall hearing was normal. Recently, I woke up to notice a new symptom; whenever I shift my jaw to the right, there's a distinct wooshing sound. I have a medical appointment scheduled for February, yet I’m contemplating whether I should reschedule for an earlier date due to the worsening of my symptoms. Although I am slightly concerned about the potential of an ear infection, the absence of significant pain leaves me uncertain. Could this simply be indicative of TMJ issues? Should I consider advancing my appointment?
Answers (1)
12/15/2025, 11:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
You’re experiencing a persistent muffled sensation in your left ear along with tinnitus and new jaw-related sounds, which can indeed be concerning. These symptoms might relate to issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems or eustachian tube dysfunction, rather than an ear infection, especially since you’ve already ruled out wax blockage and have normal hearing.
Explanation
The sensation of fullness or muffled hearing can occur when the eustachian tube (which helps equalize pressure in your ear) is not functioning properly or when there are issues with the jaw joint (TMJ). Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can also be linked to both TMJ disorders and eustachian tube dysfunction. The crackling sounds you hear could be related to movements in your jaw affecting that area.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their severity. This can help identify triggers or patterns.
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Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching and relaxation exercises for your jaw may ease tension and help with TMJ-related sounds. Avoid clenching your jaw, and try to maintain an open mouth when relaxing.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, as staying hydrated can assist with overall ear health and pressure regulation.
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Adjust Your Appointment: Given the new symptom of the wooshing sound when shifting your jaw and the overall persistent sensations, it may be wise to consider rescheduling your appointment for a sooner date. This will allow a professional to evaluate these developments more promptly.
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Limit Loud Noises: Protect your ears by avoiding loud environments and using ear protection if necessary, especially since you have tinnitus.
You’re doing well by keeping track of your symptoms and planning to see a specialist. If you experience any sudden changes, such as severe pain, significant changes in hearing, or other alarming symptoms, seek immediate attention. This proactive approach will help you find answers and a path to relief.
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