Ear-Eye vision impairment

[D.Ross]

I have had for many years an ear-eye disorder which does not affect my life generally but causes me some concern when it occurs.

In brief I seem to have some "link" between things I hear in my right ear and things I see. If I place a telephone earpiece to my right ear and look at a computer monitor, the ringing tone in the earpiece causes the letters on the computer monitor to go out of focus in time to the ringing tone. I can also "see" scan lines on the monito appear while the ringing tone is on. As soon as the tone goes, the letter refocus and the lines go away. If I push a finger gently into the right ear, images "wobble" slightly. Other than this, my eyesight and hearing is normal. I have regular eye exams for my work.

I don't have any such problem with my left ear.

Any suggestions as to the cause of this strange effect?

[ARLENE]

There is a phenomenon called synesthesia that is linked to creativity. For instance in some individuals, music is translated into visual images; or numbers have colors; or colors have numbers; or a visual image may have a corresponding musical note. Could this be a form of synesthesia?

[Me too!]

Never had the audio-visual connection but do get scan lines when I'm chewing, especially something hard like ice.  My husband said it has the same effect on him too.

[Me too!]

Never had the audio-visual connection but do get scan lines when I'm chewing, especially something hard like ice.  My husband said it has the same effect on him too.

[D.Ross]

Dear CCF Neuro,

no, I don't have any rushing sounds in my right ear. The fuzzy letter and scan lines effect happens in both eyes whith sounds in the right ear. I have always thought that there might be a neural link somewhere in my brain that causes sound impulses to affect my sight, as the visual effect is so fast. I can see the interlacing on a computer monitor (every other line changes contrast). Perhaps this is not possible if both eyes are affected? The amount of "fuzz" is volume dependant.

Not sure why Natalie D is posting questions as replies to mine??

Regards

D.Ross

[ellenc]

I am sorry that I accidentally posted twice.

[ellenc]

I know you are not supposed to answer posts on other people's questions,and I apologize for doing so but I am hoping you will take pity on me.I have been trying for several weeks and I am really really worried. Briefly, I have had odd sensory feelings for over 11 months,( tingling, toe and finger numbness,) all clear blood work, brain MRi, cervical MRi, EMg, nerve conduction and neurological clinical exams. There seems to be no answer, however, as of the last two weeks, I have begun experiencing the most bizarre symptom yet - the feeling of raindrops lighly sprinkling on my arms and hands. I seem to recall reading on one of the posts here that this is a CNS problem. but I have done extensive searches and can't find it.  Can you PLEASE let me know what you think, I hate to call the neuro again , I think she feels she's done all she can, and this is not MS, ALS or a CNS problem. But I am really worried about these feelings. Any  input or direction you can give would be a releif. Thank you . Natalie D.

[ellenc]

I know you are not supposed to answer posts on other people's questions,and I apologize for doing so but I am hoping you will take pity on me.I have been trying for several weeks and I am really really worried. Briefly, I have had odd sensory feelings for over 11 months,( tingling, toe and finger numbness,) all clear blood work, brain MRi, cervical MRi, EMg, nerve conduction and neurological clinical exams. There seems to be no answer, however, as of the last two weeks, I have begun experiencing the most bizarre symptom yet - the feeling of raindrops lighly sprinkling on my arms and hands. I seem to recall reading on one of the posts here that this is a CNS problem. but I have done extensive searches and can't find it.  Can you PLEASE let me know what you think, I hate to call the neuro again , I think she feels she's done all she can, and this is not MS, ALS or a CNS problem. But I am really worried about these feelings. Any  input or direction you can give would be a releif. Thank you . Natalie D.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear D. Ross:

Wow, I am unsure of what is going on.  Do you hear a intermittent rushing sound when you place the ear piece to your ear?  If so, it might be that you have a small vascular malformation that when you put pressure on it alters the blood flow to your eye (pretty remote possibility). Another possibility is that when you put the ear piece to the right ear, you pull the skin and change the optics of your eye lens slightly (again, this is pretty remote).  So, I am unsure what to tell you, it sounds like it does bother you.  The only suggestion is not to use the right ear for telephone use.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD