Noise In One Ear. Any Reasons?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2012

Question: Noise in Ear

Over the past couple of days, once or twice I've had a noise in one of my ears that can best be described as "a motor running". It lasts for about 10 seconds and then stops. Any ideas waht this is? Thanks. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for the query

Noise in the ear referred to as tinnitus could be due to various reasons such as Eustachian tube catarrh, wax in the ears, fluid inside the ear drum, inner ear pathology, etc.

Commonest of all the above conditions are Eustachian tube catarrh and wax in the ear.

Eustachian tube is a narrow channel connecting nose and the middle ear. Whenever an individual has an attack of cold or nasal block the nasal side of this tube tends to get block, following which there is negative pressure created in the middle ear leading to ear discomfort as well as noise in the ear.

The second most common cause is the presence of wax or cerumen in the external ear canal, which gives rise to noise in the ear because of gushing of air through the narrow space between the wax and the external ear canal.

I would suggest you get a complete examination done by an apt ENT specialist to find out the cause and management of the same.

Hope I have answered this query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad