Strange noise when I touch my ear.

Causes for ear problems?

• For a number of days a few weeks ago I would wake up with one of my ears feeling deafened with a sensation of pressure or a general feeling that something was in there. There was also some wax on my pillowcase. My hearing would fade back to normal or at least become louder after a short while (I think usually when I got in the shower). Over the last two weeks, though I haven't been waking up with the deafness, I still have a sensation like some sort of pressure or fullness in my ear. I've also experienced dullness in my hearing, though I'm not sure if I'm just imagining it and when I'm in a silent room, or if I touch my finger to the opening in my ear in a fairly quiet environment, I hear a low whoosing sound like the fan in my laptop. This only seems to be in my left ear. Additionally, I've had a stuffy nose on and off and over the last two weeks I've had 3 nosebleeds which I'm guessing are related to that. I'm almost 18 now, have been listening to loud music fairly regularly since about 14 or 15 I guess and I'm starting to worry about the effect this could have on my hearing and I'm also taking a music course at college which subjects my ears to more noise. I've cut out the loud music and I wear earplugs now even on the bus (it seems pretty loud) and am just hoping my hearing will stay good for some time. I guess my question is, what do you think is causing the problems I'm having? Is it likely just wax or congestion? I'd also appreicate any advice on preserving my hearing long term, aside from the obvious 'keep away from loud noise'.

• Answer:

  I've had that same issue with hearing loss on one side and sinus problems for about two weeks now. Just went to the doctor at 9 this morning and it's my sinuses fudging everything up! Your ears, throat & nose are all connected and if one gets fudged up it messes with the others. I would suggest you try something like over the counter sudafed to help drain your sinuses. That's what the doctor told me. Hope you feel better soon!