Everything around me sounds weird...?

[makikoalabear]

I had no idea where to put this question, because it is so weird...

I have a cold right now, and I have a semi-stuffed nose and a persistent cough. (the cough comes about every 30 seconds) My ears don't hurt at all, except for when I blow my nose and it pops.

But today, I was listening to my iPod and all of my music just sounded flat, and low in pitch. Yes I play music, and I have relative, if not perfect pitch when it comes to music. I thought it was only my ipod, but everything around me sounds flat and distorted, from elevator chimes to my cellphone ringtone, even to my piano!

It was so sudden; one minute the music was fine and 30 minutes later it sounded distorted!

Again, my ears don't hurt but I am scared its an ear infection, or something worse.

Can anyone offer some advice on what might be causing it?

[DeeDeeRose]

Hi Shannon, I am trying to get over a very bad flu.  I am taking antibiotics
I too am a singer and songwriter.  Just yesterday, when listening to my songs, they sounded very off tone and especially the basses.  Yes, it is very scary because I love music and enjoy creating it and listening to it.  I happened to find this site by searching for hearing distorted sounds.

Have you gotten any help with this yet?

[shan360]

I've just experienced this. I'm a trained singer, and now all music sounds off, flat... It really is scary!
How has it turned out for you?
Shannon

[Nancy T]

You should go and get your hearing tested right away, in case you've had some kind of hearing loss. I would do this on an urgent basis.

I'm not an expert and I don't actually know whether hearing loss could cause distortion of sounds, but I imagine it's possible. Sudden hearing loss should always be looked at immediately by an ear specialist. Viral infections CAN attack the hearing/balance nerve.

Good luck,

Nancy T.