Ear Affection

Abstract

THE remarkable phenomenon described by your correspondent “P”, in NATURE, vol. xix. p. 315, induces me to bring to your notice that precisely the same effect was produced in my own case a month ago, when partial deafness came on in both my ears, whilst suffering from congestion of the mucous membrane of the nasal passage and eustachian tube. Not being aware that any prior case had occurred of a distinct difference of a semitone, as indicated by the alternate application of a tuning-fork to the two ears, I at once drew up a memorandum on the subject, and handed it to Dr. Urban Pritchard, who was advising me. Like your correspondent “P”, I have also noticed the double sound produced when I whistle, and more particularly when I close both ears with my fingers.