Your hearing health

Autophony: Hearing your voice echo in your ear when you speak

Causes, definition and treatment

Last update on Jul, 10, 2024

What is autophony? A definition

You may have noticed there is a difference between the way we hear our voice and how others hear it. This happens because when we speak, the sound comes out of the mouth and goes up the sides of our face, hitting the ears directly and making us feel the internal vibrations in the ear and the head.

We talk about autophony when a person can hear their own voice too loud or echoing in the ears. Autophony also involves the perception in the ears of all the other noises that come from one's body, such as one's breathing and heartbeat.

Autophony causes: Why do you hear your voice in your ears

Autophony usually results from diseases of the middle ear, especially in the case of the patulous or intermittent function of the Eustachian tube. Other causes may include eardrum occlusion, otitis media with effusion or Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS). Let's review them in detail.

The physical disorder known as Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) indicates an atypical and chronic alteration or intermittent function of the physiological mechanism of opening and closing the Eustachian tube that keeps the Eustachian tube open.

Patulous Eustachian Tube is a condition that is rarely recognized: it mainly affects women, affects only one ear and is characterized by a sensation of a clogged ear, intermittent hearing loss and autophony, the hearing of self-generated sounds.

While a blocked or plugged ear may not cause specific pain or problems, muffled hearing can be uncomfortable. Causes of clogged ears include earwax buildup, Eustachian Tube obstruction, sudden decrease in atmospheric pressure and more. In the case of clogged ears, autophony can occur as the vibration of sounds echoes back to the eardrum.

Otitis media with effusion is an inflammation of the tympanic membrane and inner ear and is very common in children. It is characterized, in addition to the sensation of a full ear, by the leakage of mucus in the ear. Otitis media involves symptoms such as otalgia, clogged ears, muffled hearing and autophony.

Autophony can also be one of the symptoms of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS), also known as Minor's Syndrome, a rare medical disorder of the inner ear that creates a condition known as labyrinthitis, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. People with SCDS may present acoustic symptoms like clogged ears, conductive hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus and autophony.

Is autophony dangerous?

While autophony itself is not typically dangerous, it can be bothersome and affect quality of life. In some cases, it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment.

Therefore, if you experience persistent or bothersome autophony, it's advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.

Autophony in one ear

Autophony occurring in just one ear can result from unilateral issues like Eustachian tube dysfunction, specific middle ear conditions, or structural abnormalities.

These factors can disrupt sound conduction and perception in one ear more than the other, leading to the perception of louder internal sounds. While not always serious, evaluation by an ear specialist is recommended to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of autophony

Symptoms of autophony, where internal sounds are perceived louder than normal, include:

Hearing one's own voice or breathing loudly;
Sensation of echo or reverberation in the affected ear;
Distorted hearing, as if sounds are trapped inside the ear;
Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the ear;
Possible imbalance or vertigo, especially if related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

If these symptoms persist or worsen, seeking evaluation from a healthcare professional, particularly an ear specialist, is recommended for proper diagnosis and management.

Autophony, where one hears their own voice or internal sounds louder than usual, can come and go due to fluctuations in Eustachian tube function or middle ear conditions.

These variations can be influenced by factors like allergies, sinus issues, or changes in atmospheric pressure. While intermittent autophony may not always indicate a serious issue, persistent symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.

Autophony is not necessarily a sign of hearing loss but can be if not investigated by a specialist. Autophony causes generally reside in middle ear diseases.

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Autophony after an ear infection

Autophony can sometimes occur after an ear infection. This is often due to lingering effects such as:

Eustachian tube dysfunction: During an ear infection, inflammation can affect the Eustachian tube, leading to difficulty regulating pressure and fluid drainage in the middle ear. This dysfunction can persist even after the infection has cleared, causing symptoms like autophony;
Middle ear fluid: Fluid buildup in the middle ear, common during and after infections like otitis media, can distort sound conduction and contribute to autophony;
Changes in ear structures: Infections can cause temporary or permanent changes in the ear's structures, affecting how sound waves are transmitted and perceived;
Complications: Severe or untreated ear infections can lead to complications like tympanic membrane perforation (eardrum rupture), which can also affect hearing and contribute to autophony.

Autophony after exercise

Autophony after exercise can be attributed to several factors:

Increased blood flow: During exercise, blood flow to the inner ear can increase, which may affect how sounds are perceived;
Eustachian tube dysfunction: Intense physical activity can sometimes temporarily affect Eustachian tube function, leading to changes in pressure or fluid dynamics in the middle ear. This can contribute to symptoms of autophony;
Dehydration: Exercise can lead to dehydration, which can thicken mucus and affect the Eustachian tube's ability to equalize pressure, potentially exacerbating symptoms;
Tightening of muscles: Muscle tension and movement during exercise may alter the way sounds are conducted or perceived in the ear;
Increased awareness: During physical exertion, heightened awareness of internal body sounds, including breathing and heartbeat, can contribute to the perception of autophony.

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How to treat autophony and get rid of echo sound in ear

Autophony can be treated in different ways, depending on its causes and severity. The less invasive treatments are applied in case of mild symptoms and consist of some practical advice and actions to be performed during the day like:

Drinking lots of water
Taking hydrochloric acid- or chlorobutanol-based medicines

However, autophony can also be severe with a degenerative course. The treatments recommended in this case are more invasive and can include surgery for a definitive solution to the disease. Whatever the origin of the problem, it is best to see a physician if this condition should persist.

Home remedies for autophony

Home remedies for autophony, where internal sounds are perceived louder than normal, can include:

Valsalva Maneuver: Gently blowing with the nostrils pinched and mouth closed can help equalize pressure in the ears, potentially alleviating symptoms;
Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help open Eustachian tubes and reduce congestion that may contribute to autophony;
Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected ear can promote circulation and ease discomfort associated with autophony;
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can thin mucus and help clear congestion in the Eustachian tubes, potentially improving symptoms;
Avoiding irritants: Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants that can exacerbate symptoms of autophony.

While these home remedies may provide relief for mild cases of autophony, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. They can evaluate the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

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Does autophony go away?

Autophony can go away with the right treatment playing a fundamental role in its resolution. It is possible to recover from this disease and its symptoms, which can disappear once treated, but it’s fundamental to identify the specific cause. Autophony can be treated by treating the specific disease that caused it or by removing the occlusion that causes this symptom (phlegm, foreign object, etc.)