[texastrader]

So here's a question I've been researching for awhile now, here and on other sites and can seem to find no other instance of this weird thing that happens, it seems like to me alone, and it really getting on my nerves!
 
At higher volumes - not mind blowing, but on the 'high side' - I get a weird, random "static" sound in my left ear and only in my left ear. It occurs with most music, but typically only during passages where the mid-range is prominent, whether vocals or instruments, generally within that particular "mid-range" band, but not exclusively.
 
It isn't "crackling" all the time, even during the right conditions, but probably 40-60% of the time. After much 'troubleshooting' I have found it happens with ANY headphones or IEMs I'm using, as well as ANY source. Even stranger, when I swap whatever phones I'm using from R to L, the problem stays in my left ear!
 
It happened first when I got my first pair of Shure SE215 IEMs fed straight from my iPod. This really annoying "static", which I really thought was just those particular IEMs that couldn't handle a little volume, was what first compelled me to look at headphone amps in the first place, thinking it must have something to do with the iPod / SE215 combo.
 
I upgraded to  Shure SE315s, then traded those in for the SE425s. I bought a Fiio E7 amp and around that time, my eyes were opened here on Head-fi and I upgraded to a RSA SR-71A shortly after. By this time, I've also got full size DT-880-250s and K702s and a Burson amp. The problem seems to be "attenuated" slightly on the full size cans and the better amps, but it's definitely still there.
 
I have basically narrowed it down to the point where it MUST be my LEFT EAR somehow, but WHAT? I hear just fine! Even after going through an elaborate de-waxing and cleaning regimen in both ears, I still get this really annoying static sounding noise as soon as I turn the volume up a little.
 
Can anyone help me with this strange problem?? Has anyone else ever even heard of something like this happening??? HELP!!!
 
 

 

[JefferyK]

Make an appointment with an ENT specialist and have your hearing checked.

 

[Papander]

Or the recording is bad and has that crackling sound.

 

[texastrader]

JefferyK - yeah, thats pretty much the point Im at now as this is really an intrusive issue. The fact that swapping my cans 180deg on my head doesnt move the problem is quite disturbing. If it wasnt such an ELECTRICAL type sound though!

Its so hard for me to accept that there is something wrong with my ear, my LEFT ear only, but its getting to the point there isnt much else it could be....huh. I guess Ill try to get into an audiologist - never heard of an ENT Spec - and see what they can tell me.

Thanks for your comment though.

 

[firev1]

 
Quote:

JefferyK - yeah, thats pretty much the point Im at now as this is really an intrusive issue. The fact that swapping my cans 180deg on my head doesnt move the problem is quite disturbing. If it wasnt such an ELECTRICAL type sound though!
Its so hard for me to accept that there is something wrong with my ear, my LEFT ear only, but its getting to the point there isnt much else it could be....huh. I guess Ill try to get into an audiologist - never heard of an ENT Spec - and see what they can tell me.
Thanks for your comment though.

 
In the mean time, listen at lower volumes and keep good ear hygiene, you should use those solution and not use cotton buds. ENT specialist are those that specialist in ear, nose, teeth problems(thus ENT), Audiologist should have more advance equipment to diagnose your problem though. Also if you can, staying off your IEMs is a good idea (they can make the problem worse). Headphones and speakers are okay though, just watch those volume levels.

 

[Kernmac]

 
Quote:

 
 
In the mean time, listen at lower volumes and keep good ear hygiene, you should use those solution and not use cotton buds. ENT specialist are those that specialist in ear, nose, teeth problems(thus ENT), Audiologist should have more advance equipment to diagnose your problem though. Also if you can, staying off your IEMs is a good idea (they can make the problem worse). Headphones and speakers are okay though, just watch those volume levels.

Ear, nose throat - actually.  I think you might find teeth belong to dentistry.
 

 

[firev1]

 
Quote:

 
Ear, nose throat - actually.  I think you might find teeth belong to dentistry.
 

I thought teeth because the last time I went I thought he was checking my teeth, oops
 

 

[JefferyK]

My experience is that the doctor makes the referral to the ENT specialist who makes the referral to the audiologist.
 
And hopefully you will get a diagnosis that can be treated -- I have been having trouble with my left ear since late March, but since everything checks out as normal, I was told it is "stress."

 

[Khragon]

Wow thanks for posting, I've just experienced the same issue.  I recently purchased the Triple fi 10 IEM and been right away within couple hours of using it I started to hear this strange and annoying crackling/static sound on the left ear.  I tried swapping headphones, swapping sources, swapping songs, still I hear this sound, and I would say >70% of the time now.  I even ask Amazon to replace my TF but that didn't change the situation.  Strangely before using the TF I don't think I have any problem and never heard this static sound.
 
Now that I see you have the same problem, I'm pretty convinced it's my Left ear .  Maybe the TF did something?  Maybe I'm trying to listen to music too loud? I didn't think I listed that loud, only recently since I'm trying to debug this issue. I think I'll schedule an appointment with the ear specialist now.

 

[CareyB]

Wow, I have the same thing and sometimes it doesn't happen for several months.  I knew it wasn't my headphones when it happened at a Hockey game.  I should probably go see someone about it.  If any of you get a diagnosis on this please post it in here.

 

[texastrader]

I am tentatively set up to see an audiologist about a week from now. I will bring a pair of IEMs and my iPod / Amp combo just in case the Dr. wants to actually attempt to "see" what's going on with this strange phenomenon. I am hoping and praying it's something dumb like hair in my ears or something, even though I have hair in both my ears and this only goes on in the left.
 
I will post something here after my visit and maybe can shed some light for those unfortunate few, like myself, who experience this unlikely problem.

 

[Degru]

I get this in my right ear mostly when using IEMs, starting at medium volume. With mids heavy stuff especially.

The crackling happens for a little, then intensifies, and eventually stops and my hearing in that ear gets slightly quieter while I have my IEMs inserted.

The other thing is I get this sucking/sealing noise when inserting or taking out iems.

Typically very loud noises trigger something similar.

I have narrowed it down to the stapedius muscle. It is responsible for limiting loud noises so they don't damage the ear, and apparently mine is kinda loose or something, and the air pressure from having an IEM inserted causes it to be out of place. Hence the sealing sound when inserting them. The reason the sound becomes a little quieter (incredibly annoying since I am very sensitive to stereo balance) is because the muscle does it's job and "closes" the ear.