Why do I hear a rustling sound in my ear but have normal hearing, and what should I do about it?

　　Ringing or rustling sounds in the ears with normal hearing may be caused by aging, lack of sleep, excessive stress, external otitis, or secretory otitis media. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting sleep habits, relieving emotional stress, cleaning the ear canal, or medication. If the noise persists for more than one week or is accompanied by ear pain or dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

　　1. Aging: With age, there is a mild decline in auditory nerve function and changes in the metabolism of ear canal secretions, which may lead to slight rustling noises, especially noticeable in quiet environments. It is recommended to clean the ear canal regularly, avoid frequent ear picking, and reduce irritation to the ear canal.

　　2. Sleep deprivation: Long-term熬夜 (staying up late) and poor sleep quality can impair blood circulation in the ear and disrupt nervous system regulation, causing temporary rustling sounds. It is advised to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and avoid excessive use of electronic devices before bedtime.

　　3. Excessive stress: Prolonged mental tension or anxiety can affect autonomic nervous system function, causing constriction of blood vessels in the ear and resulting in abnormal sounds. Stress relief through exercise, meditation, or listening to calming music is recommended to maintain emotional stability.

　　4. External otitis: Bacterial or fungal infection of the external auditory canal causes mild mucosal congestion and increased secretions. Movement-induced friction of these secretions against the ear canal may produce rustling sounds, often accompanied by mild itching. Under medical guidance, symptoms can be treated with medications such as ofloxacin ear drops, terbinafine hydrochloride cream, or cefalexin capsules.

　　5. Secretory otitis media: Eustachian tube dysfunction leads to fluid accumulation in the middle ear. The movement of this fluid can cause rustling noises, usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Patients may follow medical advice to use mometasone furoate nasal spray, eucalyptus cineole enteric soft capsules, or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets to relieve discomfort.

　　In daily life, keep the ear canal clean and dry, avoid getting contaminated water into the ears, refrain from using sharp objects to clean the ears, maintain a regular routine, eat a light diet, stay away from noisy environments, and reduce strain on the ears.