Strange sensation in ears

[shivvy]

As I was watching TV last night I began to notice how much the sound/volume was bothering me and that I had a strange sensation in both my ears.
I have had a look online about that it could be but much of what I have read is about ringing in the ears. I don't have that. In fact I find it very hard to explain how it feels.
It is definitely not ringing but there is some sort of sound, maybe like a very low level rumble which feels worse/louder when I hear other external sounds.
It effects both of my ears.
It feels as if they are 'full' or need to pop.

Any ideas anyone?

[Sqad]

Nothing sinister comes to mind.............monitor the situation for a few weeks.

[Clanad]

Have you had a cold or sinus infection recently? If so, it may be that the Eustachian tubes are swollen or otherwise partially blocked. Running from the ear to the back of the throat, they're about the size of small dimater spaghetti and the hole for thdrainage is even smaller. Most of my pilot cohorts all relate to me a common experience of our wives or significant others making a motion they commnly called the "frog:. Over the years, one learns to jut the lower jaw forward with the mouth slightly open. This clears the eustachian tubes with a noticeable small "snapp' sound. Equalizes thepressure I'm sure.
Our flight attendants are advised to tell parents of small children who are experiencing ear pain (always on descent) to hold the nose shut and swallow (the child, not the parent) rather than the commonly held belief to hold the nose shut an "blow". The tubes drain downwards and attempting to blow the nose forces the blockage up the tube... not a good idea...
This blockage can also have an affect on perceived balance as well.

[anneasquith]

im no expert shivvy, could it be a build up of ear wax ?

[boxtops]

I hope it's not tinnitus - go and see your practice nurse, to see if your ears need syringing.

[Old_Geezer]

I think when you are aware of a difference sounds you normally filter out suddenly seem new and related.

So this sensation A tingling or tickling ? Is it the ears or the mind interpreting the sounds slightly differently ? I suspect it'll go in a while.

[shivvy]

Thanks for your answers.

No, I didn't think it was anything serious Sqad but I was just interested in what it might be or what might have caused it.

[EvianBaby]

If you pull your ear around a bit from where the lobe meets your head does the noise change or go away?

[shivvy]

Hmm - to be honest I'm not sure EvianBaby because it is such a strange sound/sensation. But I have realised that it is most noticable when I am listening to the TV/radio or when I am moving around and making a bit of noise.
It therefore seems to be related to sound coming into my ears instead of an ongoing noise inside my head/ears if you know what I mean?

[Sqad]

shivvy....although not totally characteristic it may well be a mild form of hyperacusis (Google it)

Are you taking any medication and what is your occupation? (? noise related)

[shivvy]

No medication Sqad and no noisy job.
I don't know if it might be significant but on Thursday I was in the front row of a theatre which had 3 loud gunshots as part of the performance. It was very loud at the time but I didn't notice this sensation until Sunday.
Could it be caused by that type of noise and could there be a delay before I would have symptoms?

[Sqad]

shivvy......that is an important point that you make.....the 3 gunshot wounds almost certainly damaged temporarily the inner ear which has responded in the way that you have described.

This is temporary and should subside in the next couple of weeks.

[shivvy]

But does the delay between Thursday and Sunday make sense Sqad?

[Sqad]

shivvy...yes it does.....there is often a delay. This sort of delay is seen in noise induced hearing loss due to industrial causes.

Keep us informed....I am interested.

[shivvy]

I will see how it goes over the next while.

Coincidentally I have a GP appointment on Thursday so I'll run it past her too while I'm there.