Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) Questions Audiologist

Hearing question?

Why when I am in complete silence I hear an engine noise?

Male | 19 years old
Complaint duration: 1/1/2018
Medications: None
Conditions: Don't know

6 Answers

The best way to evaluate this would be come in for an appointment. We will want to look in your ears, check your hearing, and complete a test that will check on your ear drums. After that evaluation, we can try to figure out where the engine noise is coming from. Elise Krzesimowski, Au.D., CCC-A Clinical Audiologist 36539 Harper Clinton Twp., MI 48035 P: 586-900-8225 F: 920-356-6419 [cid:2cf84bf1-64a7-4d9a-adbf-5d0f59bc27e0]
In general the 'sounds' a person hears inside their head (not really audible sound to others) is known as tinnitus or ringing in the ears. This can be high pitched, constant, or low and rough sounding, like an engine. Usually its from a type of hearing loss, but it can also be the sound of your own body.
Large blood vessels travel through the temporal bone near the cochlea. Its not uncommon to report hearing 'your heartbeat' when its quiet. Being only 19 years old, you are likely hearing your blood moving. If the sound changes when you lie down vs stand up, then this is most definitely the case.
What you are experiencing is called Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) you should have your hearing checked by an audiologist or Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor and avoid noise exposure without proper ear protection.

Sincerely,

Dr. Fernandez-Roque
You are experiencing tinnitus. People often describe tinnitus, not so much as a tone, but a humming or buzzing noise, often with a high-frequency element to it. Tinnitus can be caused by a host of things ranging from caffeine or sugar intake to side-effects from medications or exposure to loud noise.
If you work somewhere noisy or expose yourself to loud recreational noise, such as loud music, firearms, motorcycles, etc., I suggest you use hearing protectors.
Check your medications and diet to see if they are contributing to your tinnitus. Often all it takes to reduce tinnitus is changing medications, adjusting your diet, or exercising to lower your blood pressure.
If you have tinnitus, even in quiet environments it can be heard. Individuals describe tinnitus differently as it can present itself in various ways.
Tinnitus, get a hearing test