What Causes Altered Sensation Of Sound In Ear?

Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2014

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

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up this morning and voices sound electronic when I hear them. What's up?

Answered by Dr. Naveen (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube catarrh...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I'll try my best to help you with this problem.

The altered sensation of sound in the ear is due to the blockage of the Eustachian tube

Eustachian tube is a cartilageno-muscular tube connecting nose and the ear. During sleep, the nasal end of the tube may be blocked because of the increased congestion in the nose. Presence of flu or common cold can aggravate this problem.

The blocked Eustachian tube alters the pressure in the middle ear. Altered pressure can change the normally heard tones.

Do not worry! It's one of the commonest ENT problems, with appropriate measures, the tones will become normal.

Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day and drink lots of warm water. Avoid chilled food and beverages/smoking, if any. This will help in reducing the congestion around the Eustachian tube. If the symptoms persist, please consult your doctor for a complete evaluation.

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

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (12 minutes later)

Thank you so much. My left ear has felt "off" since last year however. It often feels like air is moving through that ear and I often hear a bubble popping sound in that ear as well. Do I have some kind of Eustachian tube disorder and can it be fixed?

Answered by Dr. Naveen (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube dysfunction

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

In that case, it could be related to chronic Eustachian tube related problem. This condition of yours is called Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

You need to get a diagnostic nasal endoscopy done to check for any nasal obstruction and if required a CT scan too. Depending on the findings, further treatment can be planned.

You may require steroid nasal spray with or without oral steroids to reduce the congestion around the Eustachian tube.

Hope this clears your doubts. I wish you good health.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari