When I shake my head very fast from left to right I hear a low bell tinkling. What is the cause?

Answer by  emhaskey (685)

Ringing in the ear(s), or "tinnitis", could be caused by wax build-up, high blood pressure, prolonged exposures to loud noise, a nerve or vascular problem in the head or neck (aneurysm, hydrocephalus, or atherosclerosis), or changes related to the aging process. See your doctor as this may be a symptom of a serious medical problem.

Answer by  partyanimal33 (452)

What you are hearing is a condition called tinnitus. It is when the bones and fluid of your inner ear try to re establish your balance after shaking your head.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

Ears detect sound by having the sound waves move the bones of the inner ear by way of the ear drum and then create pressure waves in a fluid-filled structure called the cochlea. Within the cochlea a membrane moves against hair cells which is perceived as sound. By shaking your head you are moving that membrane on your own.

Answer by  JuliaJolie (415)

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears when you shake your head) can have a number of causes, including hearing loss due to aging, an injury, an ear infection, wax in the ears or as a side-effect of various medications. It can also be caused by headaches due to repetitive strain injury.

Answer by  MelindaS (1694)

You may be hearing something happening to your tympanic membrane or ear drum. Also, it could be that you are hearing distortions of the natural sounds around you, or distortions of your blood flow.