curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

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Shane_R
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curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by Shane_R »

3 times during 14ers this year, I've had a strange thing that hadn't happened in previous years. I felt fine but heard a static-like noise in my ears. Not exactly "ringing" but similar. The best thing I can compare it to is when you're snorkeling or diving and you hear a small boat motor. Anyone else experienced this?

This happened most recently on Thursday. I first heard it when I was ascending around 13Kft, but also heard it sporadically back down at 11Kft, at which point I noted my heart rate was not very elevated (about 90bpm), though I was breathing heavily. I don't see this listed as a symptom of altitude sickness (which I've never had an issue with). Prior to this year, my most recent 14er was 2.5 years ago so maybe some health / aging change since then? Or just a common thing?
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Dave B
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by Dave B »

Assuming you live in CO, consistent changes in elevation can create inner ear problems. I was having some minor pain and a loud squeek and pop every time I blew my nose for a while, went to see an ENT and they said these kinds of things are common in CO where it's so easy to gain lose 5k+ elevation several times a week - constant pressure changes can wreak havoc... I moved to Boise where recreation involves smaller elevation changes, and lower elevations overall, and it went away. The ear problem came back shortly after moving back to CO.

But really, you should go see a doctor. Sounds like it could also be tinnitis.
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Salient
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by Salient »

I've had this even at low elevations. Could be the great hum? If that's the case then it's not an issue. I'd still advise you to investigate and see if you notice it again.
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myfeetrock
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by myfeetrock »

As long as you're okay when you use the microwave...........
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by pvnisher »

Have you been to Cuba or live near an embassy?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana_syndrome
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XterraRob
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by XterraRob »

Usually when a storm is forming in the high alpine.
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timisimaginary
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by timisimaginary »

those of us out east have been experiencing a lot of static and ringing in the ears lately. we call it "cicadas".
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by ker0uac »

It could be earwax blockage. I had that happen to me last year for the first time. Apparently it becomes more common as you age. But surely, my earbuds didn't help either. I had to see an ENT to get it cleaned as OTC products didn't work.
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WVMountaineer
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by WVMountaineer »

timisimaginary wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:27 am those of us out east have been experiencing a lot of static and ringing in the ears lately. we call it "cicadas".
I had a good laugh with this comment! My wife is a Denver native and has never experienced cicadas so I was trying to explain the plague like 17 year cycle they come out on. "Sounds disgusting..." The lack of bugs and water is CO is something I miss about growing up in WV.
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cedica
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by cedica »

timisimaginary wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:27 am those of us out east have been experiencing a lot of static and ringing in the ears lately. we call it "cicadas".
And the locusts sang, yeah, it give me a chill
Oh, the locusts sang such a sweet melody
Oh, the locusts sang that high whining trill
Yeah, the locusts sang, and they were singin' for me
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by peter303 »

Tinnitus is common long term symptom of covid.
Doctors dont know why.
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Re: curious static noise (ringing in ears)?

Post by pvnisher »

peter303 wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 4:32 pm Tinnitus is common long term symptom of covid.
Doctors dont know why.
I think nearly any sentence with "long term" and "covid" is most likely premature.
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