Beeping my ear...

[Sam172]

This has been happening for about a year or so now (that I can remember)....and i'm getting slightly annoyed by it now.

Occasionally when i'm not busy, or when there's not much sound about - I can hear a noise in my ear. It sounds as though it's far away...but eminating from just inside my ear. It honestly sounds like someone is going beeep--beeppp-beeepbeeepbeeepp--------beeep---beeep, with Morse Code.

Strangely it only happens in my right ear....
Am I going mad? Is there really a small little person stuck just inside my ear trying to communicate with me via Morse Code? Or is it just a common thing I shouldn't worry about?

Or could it just be tinnitus?

[simms]

Souns like my tinnitus. You're never alone with tinnitus - that's my ositive take on it - it doesn't go away but seems more noticable when you're tired or run down. Worth pestering your GP for all the audio checks you can get but if it is tinnitus don't expect a cure. Just get on and enjoy life.

[country_boy]

I had the same thing, my doctor diagnosed it as compacted earwax.  He recommended ear drops or putting a few drops of warm olive oil in your ear daily.  Also told me not to use cotton buds as you could end up just compacting it more.  Go and see your GP for a diagnosis. 

[Clanad]

Always check with Dr. for final advice, but... having experienced tinnitus for many years ( was told caused by operating loud machinery, airplanes in my case, but also exacerbated by firearm useage) which was ringing at varying loudness, it occasionally changes to the beeps you describe.  I've noticed it appears to be more noticeable after eating meals that are more salty than usual.  Dr.'s love self diagnosing patients...

[l_h_kings]

Hi Sam, I think it is tinnitus too. I suffer from very bad Tinnitus, mainly just in my left ear, and I have very poor hearing in that ear too. It was driving me insane for years and years untill my gp finally decided to refer me to hospital. at the age of 22 i was diagnised with otosclerosis; and I now use a hearing aid which is a FANTASTIC cure to tinnitus. Not very glamerous, but it helps me so much. I can't bear not to wear it.

[spudalicious]

sounds like tinnitus to be honest, but worth going to your GP to check it out. Tinnitus can be completely harmless or like other have suggested can be indicative of an underlying condition..

Clanad - you're so right, its very difficult for drs to diagnose patients when they come to you with sheets of paper of "research" they have done on the internet, because no matter what you say to them, they're already convinced they have it! I'm a dr and its just something you ahve to deal with but I must say its so frustrating sometimes..

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on, or wait for, advice from Answerbank users.

[chris888]

maybe you have got a smoke alarm built in you ear and you need to change the battery.  I hope this one makes you laugh becaus we are all mad anyway.You might have really sensitive ears,unless it sends you mad dont worry

[Sam172]

Wow, I get the honours of a post by the illustrious AB Editor themself.

*bows down*


It's nothing that's driving me mad....usually I don't notice it apart from a couple of days in the week...and that's only as I said - when i'm not busy and / or there isn't much sound.
If it gets any worse oir more distinct i'll trot on down to the Gp.

Thankyou all for your answers :-)