I Have A Shifting Noise And Vibration In My Ear

Posted on Wed, 10 Apr 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have a shifting noise and vibration in my ear as though water got inside but it has been a few days now. Last night for the first time when I was sleeping there was some pain in my ear. The noise and vibration don't occur all the time just once in a while throughout the day. Any ideas what this would be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different possible causes but most commonly the symptoms may be due to otitis media with effusion or eustachian tube blockage.

Otitis media with effusion means that there is fluid in the ear but it is associated associated with an ear infection though in some persons it may be associated with allergic sinusitis or a recent cough/cold.
If it is the case (can be confirmed by examination of the ear by your doctor), then treatment is not needed in some cases because the fluid can sometimes resolve on its own in 6 to 12 weeks.

The eustachian tube is a tube in the middle ear that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. It has different functions including equalizing the pressure in the ear. If it is not working as it should then it can cause a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the ear.
The use of anti histamine/decongestant combination can sometimes help eg zyrtec d, allegra d, benadryl d, claritine d.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar