Unusual Sounds in My Ear: Seeking Answers
Lately, I've been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my ear, akin to a noise that feels like something is rubbing together. It's somewhat similar to a creaking sound, and despite being non-painful, it’s become quite bothersome. This sound tends to manifest when I turn my head in different directions. In the past, I’ve encountered other strange occurrences with this same ear, including a rhythmic thumping resembling my heartbeat and a sensation akin to water sloshing, reminiscent of when water gets trapped in the ear and finally drains out—only there’s no actual water present. I consulted with a healthcare professional regarding these unusual experiences, and their suggestion was simplistic: they attributed it to potential allergies and recommended chewing gum, which hasn't alleviated the issue. During the examination, they noted that my eardrum appeared to be slightly bulging, indicating that there might be some underlying pressure, as it's typically expected to lie flat. That’s where their insights ended. On a quest to understand what’s happening, I decided to utilize an ear camera to inspect my eardrum. However, despite my determination, I found it quite challenging to capture a clear image due to the awkward positioning. The clearest shot I managed to obtain suggested that the eardrum looked fairly normal—an opaque, slightly translucent surface without any alarming colors. Yet, upon closer inspection, I spotted a section that appeared to be a gap or a hole. I had assumed that the eardrum fully occupies the ear canal based on my research online, especially since my right ear seems to exhibit this characteristic. What perplexes me is why there appears to be a gap at the lower edge of my left eardrum. Is it merely a trick of the angle? Is this typical for some individuals, or should I seek an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist for further evaluation?
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 3:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been experiencing some unusual and bothersome sensations in your ear, which can be understandably concerning. The sounds you're describing—similar to creaking or sloshing—along with the bulging appearance of your eardrum, suggest there might be some underlying issues that need further investigation.
Explanation
The sensations you're feeling could be linked to several potential causes, including:
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This occurs when the tube that connects your throat to your middle ear does not open properly, leading to pressure changes. This can create sounds like those you've described.
- Middle Ear Pressure or Fluid: The bulging eardrum might indicate that there's some pressure or fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can cause strange noises and sensations.
- Earwax Build-Up or Injury: Sometimes, these noises can result from an accumulation of earwax or minor injuries to the ear canal or eardrum.
Given that the healthcare professional you consulted didn't provide a satisfying explanation beyond allergies, it's essential to seek a more thorough evaluation.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep track of when these sounds occur, their frequency, and any associated symptoms, like feeling blocked, fullness, or hearing changes.
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Avoid Irritants:
- Stay away from allergens or irritants that might exacerbate your symptoms, even if you suspect your issue isn’t allergy-related.
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Consider an ENT Consultation:
- Since you mentioned potential signs of a gap or hole in the eardrum, I recommend seeing an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform more detailed examinations (such as tympanometry) to assess the pressure and health of your eardrum and middle ear.
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Explore Additional Strategies:
- While chewing gum hasn't helped much, consider trying gentle ear-clearing techniques, such as yawning or swallowing, which can help equalize pressure in the ears.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis:
- It's tempting to rely on your ear camera for a diagnosis, but visualizing the eardrum can be challenging and misleading without expertise. Leave diagnosis and treatment plans to healthcare professionals.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you're addressing the underlying issue effectively while being proactive about your ear health. Let me know if you need any more information or support!
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