1. < Hearing Loss

"The HUM", a persistent Low Frequency Noise

Posted by Soliloquized @soliloquized, Dec 28, 2019

As I sit, writing, my left ear is filled with the Classic Hum. Both my ears used to hear it, but after an ear infection in the right ear, leaving no measurable loss of hearing as determined by yearly workplace hearing tests, I no longer hear it in the right.

Certainly, others must hear it.

My wife, largely complete loss of hearing in one ear, high frequency Tinnitus in the other, and myself, excellent hearing as tested by yearly workplace physicals, started hearing the HUM on the same day, in the same location, over a decade ago. We hear it exactly the same in a number of places separated by hundreds of miles. We have experimented by asking if the other could hear the HUM, whether in certain parts of the structure we were in (home we rented in the Country, home we owned in the City) if it was louder, quieter, or audible at all, and had an extremely high degree of concurrence.

It appears to be a real world event, not Tinnitus, but IMHO, the American Medical Community is trying to pawn it off as Tinnitus. I've seen a few references to the National Institutes of Health claiming, on flimsy questionnaires sent out, that the HUM is, indeed, Tinnitus.

My wife heard it, simultaneous to me hearing it, for a decade, I still hear it, but if you mention this to doctors, they look at you like you have snakes coming out of your head. My ENT has been sick, so my appointment with him has been delayed, he's back to work but catching up. I see the ENT due to a cancerous thyroid he removed. But recently, my right ear has been acting up. It makes a spontaneous rumbling noise that I can voluntarily reproduce. But telling this to my family doctor, that I can voluntarily make this rumbling (not the HUM) and also mentioning the HUM, since I hear it in my left ear but the right ear is acting up, on both counts, I don't think he believes me, or understands. Yet, yesterday, I found an article that says that some people have voluntary control over a muscle attached to the Tympanic Membrane. That's my voluntarily induced rumbling (not HUM).

So, there are some forms of Tinnitus, "Pulsatile Tinnitus (PT) is a symptom that affects nearly five million Americans. The sensation of hearing a rhythmic noise, such as a heartbeat, swooshing or whooshing, from no external source, is, at best, a little unsettling; for many, the near constant sound exceeds annoyance and becomes completely debilitating" that can cause noises in your hearing, but decidedly is not the HUM. I'd be interested in reading what others have to say on these experiences, if you don't feel like outing yourself, you could always say a friend of yours.......

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.

Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 16, 2022
In reply to @videojanitor "This is my first time here -- so glad I stumbled across this group. I started..." + (show)
@videojanitor

This is my first time here -- so glad I stumbled across this group. I started having ear problems three months ago, and have seen an ENT doctor for my concerns. He thought it might be Ménière's disease, but didn't make a concrete diagnosis. I'm just here looking to commiserate with others who may be experiencing the same things.

It started with a perceived loss of low frequencies in my left ear. It was very obvious when listening to music as the speakers sounded out-of-phase. The loss comes and goes. The ear also developed a persistent hum at about 80 Hz -- the hum can vary depending on the position of my head. If I bend over for instance, it goes away. Or walking down stairs, it "mutes" briefly on every step.

Earlier this week, the right ear, which had been fine, experienced the same loss of lows. That lasted for two days and then returned to normal. However, that ear now occasionally sounds like it's underwater.

And now the latest thing: Listening to TV or radio, some voices sound robotic, like they're partially running through a device to disguise them. This is VERY weird and quite disconcerting.

Does anyone have experiences which line up with this? I've been advising my doctor of this symptoms, but so far he's not offering much in the way of solutions. Maybe there aren't any?

Thanks!

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I would like to add 4 questions to the very helpful ones posed by Teresa.
Have you had Covid? Many people report hearing loss after the virus, sometimes months later.
Have you recently taken any antibiotics? There are several types that can affect your hearing, sometimes in very strange ways.
Do you regularly or occasionally work around loud sounds? If so, do you diligently wear effective ear protection?
Are you a musician or audiophile? Your highly specific descriptions of the ranges of loss lead me to think you know quite a bit about sound...
Your answers may help us lead you to a conclusion.
Sue

REPLY
videojanitor | @videojanitor | Jul 16, 2022
In reply to @videojanitor "This is my first time here -- so glad I stumbled across this group. I started..." + (show)
@videojanitor

This is my first time here -- so glad I stumbled across this group. I started having ear problems three months ago, and have seen an ENT doctor for my concerns. He thought it might be Ménière's disease, but didn't make a concrete diagnosis. I'm just here looking to commiserate with others who may be experiencing the same things.

It started with a perceived loss of low frequencies in my left ear. It was very obvious when listening to music as the speakers sounded out-of-phase. The loss comes and goes. The ear also developed a persistent hum at about 80 Hz -- the hum can vary depending on the position of my head. If I bend over for instance, it goes away. Or walking down stairs, it "mutes" briefly on every step.

Earlier this week, the right ear, which had been fine, experienced the same loss of lows. That lasted for two days and then returned to normal. However, that ear now occasionally sounds like it's underwater.

And now the latest thing: Listening to TV or radio, some voices sound robotic, like they're partially running through a device to disguise them. This is VERY weird and quite disconcerting.

Does anyone have experiences which line up with this? I've been advising my doctor of this symptoms, but so far he's not offering much in the way of solutions. Maybe there aren't any?

Thanks!

Jump to this post

Hello Sue,

Thanks for helping to try to figure this out. Here are the answers to your questions:

No Covid that I’m aware of. Never had any symptoms. I haven’t had so much as a cold since 2018.

No recent antibiotics. Last time I took any was in February, after some oral surgery. At that time, I had two posts placed in my lower jaw for dental implants, The hearing issues started in late April.

I do not work around loud sounds. A few weeks ago though, when I started the vacuum cleaner, it seemed to hurt my right ear, and I felt like it caused me to lose more high frequencies in that ear, It hasn’t seemed the same since.

Audiophile? Yes! Sound has been a life-long passion, so that makes this all the more troubling.

If you have any further questions, I’m happy to answer,

Thanks a million for your help!

REPLY
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Jul 16, 2022

Hi @videojanitor, I want to see you connect with other people that are having a similar issue so I moved your post to
- "The HUM", a persistent Low Frequency Noise
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-hum-a-persistent-low-frequency-noise/

REPLY
bdurel | @bdurel | Jul 17, 2022

I developed a low, whooshing, fan like tinnitus right after the Covid Vax. It was reported as adverse reaction. Then a few months later went instantly deaf in that ear and the tinnitus sound switched to a loud buzzing roaring sound. My Dr said there have been, at that time, over 300 documented cases of SSHL as adverse reaction to the C Vax, all women over 48 years old.

REPLY
2 replies
tonyinmi | @tonyinmi | Jul 17, 2022
In reply to @bdurel "I developed a low, whooshing, fan like tinnitus right after the Covid Vax. It was reported..." + (show)
@bdurel

I developed a low, whooshing, fan like tinnitus right after the Covid Vax. It was reported as adverse reaction. Then a few months later went instantly deaf in that ear and the tinnitus sound switched to a loud buzzing roaring sound. My Dr said there have been, at that time, over 300 documented cases of SSHL as adverse reaction to the C Vax, all women over 48 years old.

Jump to this post

@bdurel That is interesting. I am not surprised since the normal clinical trial process was not followed for the "vaccine". However, even if it was, the side effects would have been in the fine print. Also, chances are, the person administering the shot may not have mentioned it anyway. I hope you can find relief with the tinnitus.
Tony in Michigan

REPLY
1 reply
bdurel | @bdurel | Jul 17, 2022
In reply to @tonyinmi "@bdurel That is interesting. I am not surprised since the normal clinical trial process was not..." + (show)
@tonyinmi

@bdurel That is interesting. I am not surprised since the normal clinical trial process was not followed for the "vaccine". However, even if it was, the side effects would have been in the fine print. Also, chances are, the person administering the shot may not have mentioned it anyway. I hope you can find relief with the tinnitus.
Tony in Michigan

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Thank you. I have seen a specialist who has recommended a Cochlear Implant. Unfortunately Medicare won't cover it because I still have good hearing in my right ear. Not sure what I will decide to do.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Jul 17, 2022
In reply to @videojanitor "This is my first time here -- so glad I stumbled across this group. I started..." + (show)
@videojanitor

This is my first time here -- so glad I stumbled across this group. I started having ear problems three months ago, and have seen an ENT doctor for my concerns. He thought it might be Ménière's disease, but didn't make a concrete diagnosis. I'm just here looking to commiserate with others who may be experiencing the same things.

It started with a perceived loss of low frequencies in my left ear. It was very obvious when listening to music as the speakers sounded out-of-phase. The loss comes and goes. The ear also developed a persistent hum at about 80 Hz -- the hum can vary depending on the position of my head. If I bend over for instance, it goes away. Or walking down stairs, it "mutes" briefly on every step.

Earlier this week, the right ear, which had been fine, experienced the same loss of lows. That lasted for two days and then returned to normal. However, that ear now occasionally sounds like it's underwater.

And now the latest thing: Listening to TV or radio, some voices sound robotic, like they're partially running through a device to disguise them. This is VERY weird and quite disconcerting.

Does anyone have experiences which line up with this? I've been advising my doctor of this symptoms, but so far he's not offering much in the way of solutions. Maybe there aren't any?

Thanks!

Jump to this post

@videojanitor I'm a bit late to the party here so will try not to duplicate the help you've already received.

Most people with acquired sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) experience high frequency hearing loss first. It can be the opposite, but that is far less common. In most instances, SNHL, even when it's mild, is permanent. It doesn't come back.

The fact your ENT mentioned Meniere's is worth looking into. Meniere's affects people in different ways, some of which you describe related to movement. It also comes and goes in most cases. Meniere's is not easily diagnosed or understood because the symptoms vary. Some people have problems with vertigo. Some find that changes in diet can help. Salt, sugar, alcohol may cause symptoms.

You can find some basic information about Meniere's Disease on the HLAA website. https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/hearing-loss-basics/menieres/

Did your ENT provide information about Meniere's other than mentioning it?

REPLY
1 reply
videojanitor | @videojanitor | Jul 17, 2022
In reply to @julieo4 "@videojanitor I'm a bit late to the party here so will try not to duplicate the..." + (show)
@julieo4

@videojanitor I'm a bit late to the party here so will try not to duplicate the help you've already received.

Most people with acquired sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) experience high frequency hearing loss first. It can be the opposite, but that is far less common. In most instances, SNHL, even when it's mild, is permanent. It doesn't come back.

The fact your ENT mentioned Meniere's is worth looking into. Meniere's affects people in different ways, some of which you describe related to movement. It also comes and goes in most cases. Meniere's is not easily diagnosed or understood because the symptoms vary. Some people have problems with vertigo. Some find that changes in diet can help. Salt, sugar, alcohol may cause symptoms.

You can find some basic information about Meniere's Disease on the HLAA website. https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/hearing-loss-basics/menieres/

Did your ENT provide information about Meniere's other than mentioning it?

Jump to this post

Hi Julie. Thanks for your reply -- I do appreciate it.

To answer your question, my ENT recommended eliminating alcohol and caffeine, as well as limiting my salt intake. I don't drink, so that's no problem. I only drink decaf coffee, but perhaps there is still some caffeine in it? I do enjoy some chocolate, but I wouldn't think it would enough to cause a problem. Maybe it is? I've cut out virtually all salt for several weeks, with no improvement.

This is just so weird as I am experiencing different symptoms on different days and times. Yesterday the "pitch shifting" problem was constant, all day long. Today I heard it a little bit in the morning, but nothing this afternoon.

I guess my biggest question is, could this be caused by a sinus infection or similar problem? I do feel like my nose is rather stuffed up, and when I blow my nose I seem to feel slightly dizzy. Not terribly so, but enough to be aware of it. It just feels like I'm plugged up.

One last thing: When I attempt to listen to music, it really sounds terrible. Very distorted, with cymbals sounding like they're going through crinkled paper. Perhaps this is a symptom of hearing loss?

Thanks again for your help!

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Jul 17, 2022
In reply to @videojanitor "Hi Julie. Thanks for your reply -- I do appreciate it. To answer your question, my..." + (show)
@videojanitor

Hi Julie. Thanks for your reply -- I do appreciate it.

To answer your question, my ENT recommended eliminating alcohol and caffeine, as well as limiting my salt intake. I don't drink, so that's no problem. I only drink decaf coffee, but perhaps there is still some caffeine in it? I do enjoy some chocolate, but I wouldn't think it would enough to cause a problem. Maybe it is? I've cut out virtually all salt for several weeks, with no improvement.

This is just so weird as I am experiencing different symptoms on different days and times. Yesterday the "pitch shifting" problem was constant, all day long. Today I heard it a little bit in the morning, but nothing this afternoon.

I guess my biggest question is, could this be caused by a sinus infection or similar problem? I do feel like my nose is rather stuffed up, and when I blow my nose I seem to feel slightly dizzy. Not terribly so, but enough to be aware of it. It just feels like I'm plugged up.

One last thing: When I attempt to listen to music, it really sounds terrible. Very distorted, with cymbals sounding like they're going through crinkled paper. Perhaps this is a symptom of hearing loss?

Thanks again for your help!

Jump to this post

It's really hard to have to apply the 'wait and see' approach when we want answers, but sometimes there aren't any.

I personally know a few people with Meniere's. They are always willing to share their experiences with others. They are not on MCC, but are members of HLAA (Hearing Loss Assn. of America). HLAA has chapters all over the country that bring people with hearing issues together to talk and learn. Do you know if there is a chapter in your area? I don't know where you live. If you want to, feel free to send me a personal message. If I know where you live, I might be able to connect you to someone who shares your experience. I live in Appleton Wisconsin. One of our chapter's board members lives with Menieres.

Just a thought that it might be helpful to meet someone online or in person who has the experiences you are having.

REPLY
videojanitor | @videojanitor | Jul 17, 2022

Julie, I looked for a way to send you a private message but came up empty. Maybe it’s not an option yet as I’m new here? Whatever the case, I don’t mind publicly stating that I’m in Sacramento. I would surely be interested in connecting with others in my area who are experiencing the same issues.

Weird that today, my ears seem pretty good. The only issue I’m experiencing is a loss of low frequencies in one ear. Of course, who knows what tomorrow will bring …

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