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One hot ear
kung fu, patterns, pattern, ears, ear
27th of October 2003
Yesterday Sunday I went to one of Dennis kung fu camps in St Albans. It was a beautiful day with a chilled breeze.
We practised a two-man-pattern that I've never even seen before and it was great fun.
Just as it was getting dark I was just about the only one left in the field practising my patterns. (A pattern is a combination of movements you perform on your own to remember and learn your kung fu principles.) After a few runs I notice a strange thing. One of my ears got really hot. My forehead was normal and the other ear was really cold as normal. It was just like when you're about to get a fever except it was only the ear.
Strange but interesting since I've never experienced this. And no, there is no simple geometric explaination for it. It's got to be internal; or?







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I've had that happen while doing qi gong and during meditation. No explanation yet!
hey,
wow who would have thought there would be a small army of hot ear people. Here u are, and i'm one of them, my left ear, has been hot for over an hour now, and i started doing some research and found u guys, i have had hot ears in the past, but never just one, it is strange and has happened a few times, anyone finds out more info, please post it, it has been affecting my sleep slightly, thanks and hope your ears are cooling off soon, mine better be,
later
both of my ears do this, actually right now for no apparent reason; I don't get it!
this happens to me all the time after I drink the night before. It's weird, sometimes the right ear gets hot for about an hour or so and sometimes it moves over to the other ear. Both are never hot at the same time
Same here! I keep getting my ears red for no reason. People notice at school and make fun of me because of it. I would like to know why and stop it. When I bluch, my ears go red... Its weird... my face doesnt! I want to stop this redness! :(
I find that when my ears go red I am usually tired or stressed. But if I hit the treadmill for about 20 minutes afterwards I notice that the red ears are all gone.
Hello ! My ear(sometimes both) get really hot and red for about 1-2 hours almost every evening. When I described this in a mail to doctor he said that it could be a part of the carcinoid syndrome. So now they are investigating my levels of hormones(in the blood and urine)to check if I have carcinoid (slow growing malignant cancer) or not. The results should be ready the next week.
My mother is suffering from this hot ear problem for the last 2 months. And now it has become absolutely unbearable. She had advanced breast cancer 8+ years ago and responded to treatment. We are very worried if this is a case of remission. Can you update us on your check-up results. Regards.
jasmeet (new delhi, india)
Hi !
My results were good and I was feeling good all summer without any "flushes". Now they have tested me for systemic mastocytosis and the results were good. Now my ears and sometimes my face still gets burning red. Itīs almost always my right ear and it triggers by temperature change and alcohol.
I also have red rashes beside my nose (rosacea like).
Try looking up erythromelalgia on the internet the symptoms you are displaying seem to fit with this. most people get in their hands feet or anywhere really but it is not uncommon to get facial flares. It is a very rare condition and most dr's dont know anything about it so you will not be diagnosed with it very easily. If you check out this on yahoo groups, "TEA" The erythromelalgia association, YOU WILL GET MORE USEFUL INFORMATION TO GO BACK TO YOUR DR WITH. It may not be this but it sounds like it could be, the burning is painful and can be cooled by cold water soaking if it is EM.
what is the web site for this? My son, 2 years old has this problem.
I am just seeking info about this red ear situation for my grandson...age 6. When he is tired (we think) in the evenings one or (rarely) both ears will turn bright red and get warm. Did you find out any more info?
My 6-yr-old son has the same problem. I started to notice it when he was a toddler, during bath time, in the evening. Usually it doesn't seem to bother him, but the other day for the first time it was very painful for him.
Wow - this is more common than I thought! I was just searching for the red, hot ear problem because my 7 year old has it. He's had this problem for almost a year. It happens at all times of the day...sometimes one ear, sometimes both.
Crazy, I just got online to check out why my son's ear (just one at a time) flares up every now and then. This has been bothering my 7 year old for about a year now. He has had the problem w/out pain for several years. I wonder why there are so many young boys with this problem?? I am definitely going to check out the TEA site.
I am stunned to see so many posts! I just got done holding a wet, cool cloth on my 7 year old son's ear. He has had red, hot ears for several years but it has just started to be painful. It comes on in the evening hours during all four seasons. Very strange that there are so many young boys with this problem!
I am strangely relieved that so many people have this. Tonight I have one hot, red ear (left), so I googled it and found this site. I do wish someone had a definite answer though...
i just came on here because my son has been having this problem for a year and he is only 3 now... I thought he might be getting ear infections.. but nothing on the internet says thats a sign,his ear doesnt hurt just bothers him because its hot... and now he makes me blow and it and we have to stick col
My 6 year old has one ear flaming hot, he has been having ear infections, and a cold. I actually wonder if it is chapped, it is below zero out for us lately and his face gets really chapped. I see a trend with 6-7 year old boys tho....weird
fantastic...who would have thought you were all out there..... its actually my husband that has one hot red ear and one cold ear in the evening...please tell me he should drink less alcohol and then it might help with the snoring later on !!
My son just asked me to go on-line and find out why his ears turn so red and hot at night....this is very strange to see so many kids with this same affliction. Has anyone talked to a doctorabout this? The one connection with cancer scares me to say the least! My son is 6 years old and just this past month the red ears have become painful
My 6 year old has had this problem for the last 4 years. I was told it was allergies and that it happens when he eats anything with soy, tomatoes and chocolate. He is now getting the red burning ears when he runs around and plays hard. Now I am not so sure it is food related???????
Hi Lisa, My 7 year old also his this problem, usually just in one ear. Sometimes it turns red for no apparent reason, other times it's while he's doing his homework or reading to me. It makes me wonder if it's a physical symptom of stress or anxiety. Has anyone else noticed this connection?
Wow I too am in shock over how many people are trying to get info on the red hot ears. My seven year old has just started having this problem. He does not have any pain on the inside of the ear, but the outsides get red and hot.... What is causing this??? any ideas???
i have not been able to find anything else out,though recently my sons ear is getting worse and i noticed that his cheek is doing it as well only stay for about a 1/2 usually its been happening since he was 2 and starting happening more recently sinced we moved into our house,but his does seem to do it more when he runs around the house or jumps on the bed,so I dont know... I didnt know there were so many kids with this problem,I havent talked to his dr. yet
Well you guys don't have to feel to bad, I'm going on 32 and I've had it from time to time for years. In the last week or so almost every day I have had my cheeks feel warm, my wife says they are a little red but not much. (I'm white but the like 1/64 indian I am keeps me pretty tan if I'm in the sun at all) So I wouldn't call me fair skined. Anyone have an awnser?
I am 32 also and seem to have one red hot ear (left). It usually occurs during mid-late afternoon and/or evening. It typically happens either when I'm stressed, tired, or both it seems. Some weeks are better than others but the red ear happens least once a week. I've probably had it for a couple of years now. Not really painful but just uncomfortable. I don't suffer from ADHD and consider myself in good health. I don't seem ot be allergic to any foods.
This happens to me a lot too ... the good thing is that normally it doesn t happen at school =D
My 5 year old son is experiencing this same hot ears. He is very smart and understands things around him that will be cool to his ears. He started a few weeks agao and it was after he ate White Tortilla chips. You can see them get flaming hot and they are hot to the touch. The only ingredients are white corn, soybean oil, sunflower oil and salt. He will now not eat white chips since it is so painful. But he is still experiencing the symptoms especially around bedtime.
Intresting to hear that he was eatting white tortilla chips, what kind were they? That's a type of chip I eat all the time. You mentioned his was painful though, Personally I feel no pain assosated with it, I just have warmth, does he has one ear hot the other cold?
My 13yo daughter has been getting the red, hot, painful ear for about 8months. She claims she started getting it when she started swimming lessons, but she has a weird memory.
Anyway, check out phenol allergy and the feingold diet. I am getting ready to try this with my daughter. Also, as for the phenol allergy, it is associated with a lot of our fav foods, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, oranges, etc...there seems to be an enzyme you can put on the food that will stop the phenol effect.
I am in the very early stages of investigating this, so sorry I don't have any definitive info on this.
Good luck!
I was just at my friend's house when I noticed that one of my ears was bright red. I had not been touching it or anything. She said that, for years, she had noticed that when she, her husband, or one of her 3 kids had a fever, the one in question always had one red ear. So I asked her to take my temp. and, sure enough, it was elevated. I had never heard of this and don't know if it will help anyone, but I thought I'd share. I could not find anything to support this theory on the net.
I will have to check my temp next time I have an "episode" have not had one for a little bit, very strange that I had it so much for a little bit and it went away. Crazy stuff. Have fun guys and keep me posted. Will let you know about tempp next time it happens.
So funny! I have been experiencing red, hot ears for as long as I can remember. All of my siblings and my mother have the same problem. Sometimes it happens when we have had alcohol, are stressed, hot, and sometimes when we are completely relaxed. It's not painful at all. I can't figure it out. My mother and sister are European. My brother and I are European decendant. I've mentioned it to my Doc and he has no idea. I've never done a temp check. Will do next time.
Do any of you have joint pain?
I actually do. Most recently in my hips. But I have experienced joint pain off and on in other areas. Why do you ask? RA maybe? I had a lot of foot pain and had x-rays that came back completely normal...
Yes I have joint pain but not related to the ear thing, just old age. (32 years old :-) ) Ok so not old age just feel old. :-) Had quite a spell there for a little while of Flush face and one ear thing (not always at same time) but not so much lately (sorry, spelling). Nothing intresting to report. Have not check temp due to not having one.
My son had the flu a few months ago and then a problem where the virus moved into his hip causing intense pain. He also has eczema. Yesterday morning he woke up with a red hot itchy ear. I thought it was where he had slept on it, but it was still there at bed time tonight.
My daughter has joint pain all over & the one hot ear. She also has eczema (sp?). She has not been in to see the Rheumatologist yet, but I wonder if it's simply a form of eczema. I hope it is not arthritis of any kind for you.
Interesting, my son(5) has had eczema for a number of years and for the last few weeks he is now complaining of a hot ear???
I first noticed my red ear issue when I was in my mid 20's (now 44). It seemed to happen when I was extremely stressed or angry (which was often, at least when I worked for Walgreen's as a Pharmacist in Milwaukee). The ear (rarely both) turned bright red, began to throb, and was hot to the touch. No sweating occurred. Friends and co-workers found it highly amusing, but the severe unilateral headache that followed was nothing to laugh about.
I have had classic migraines since the age of 7, and Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania (CPH) since 27 years of age. I have severe cervical disc disease and believe that nerve impingement has a lot to do with my difficulties.
What a mess! It's a rare day that I DON'T have a headache of some sort. I feel sorry for the loved ones who feel sorry for me!
I have your same symtoms as you do and was wondering if you have found any causes yet? I have been to sooooo many doctors and they don't know what it is.
I just recently started noticing my ears would starting feeling warm and would be red...then I would get really bad migraines. I have always had migraines but it was odd how after my "left" ear would go thru this phase I would get a migraine. I started noticing this probably about 6mths now. I asked a lady at work about it and she was like oh it's probably just stress, but the fact was I was under no stress at the time!! I am going to ask my neurologist about the burning ear to mirgraine scenario when I go for my check up in February '08 & let you guys know if she says anything...or if she just looks at me like I'm a nut! hah
Dear Friend
I readr your article about red hot ears
so do u got the tests and wht are the results kindly mail it to me
do they occure when u think or pass through mental stress or anger.
Thanking you
IAnonymous - 13th May 2006
Hello ! My ear(sometimes both) get really hot and red for about 1-2 hours almost every evening. When I described this in a mail to doctor he said that it could be a part of the carcinoid syndrome. So now they are investigating my levels of hormones(in the blood and urine)to check if I have carcinoid (slow growing malignant cancer) or not. The results should be ready the next week.
Hi Rajnikant,
I have been tested for carcinoid (5HIIA urine collection) and for systemic mastocytosis (imidazole acetic acid urine collection) and all tests have been good. My doctor takes this seriously but they canīt find the cause.
Now itīs almost one year ago when I first noticed this. Regarding stress I can tell you that I have been in a very stressful situation since 1 1/2 years ago when they stared to investigate a cyst in my spleen. They didnīt know if it was malignant or benign. One year follow up of the cyst showed no change in size or shape so itīs benign but Iīm still kind of stressed about it.
Hi Everyone. I have had a carcanoid tumour removed (1979) and did have the horrible flushing. I recently (2001) well I guess not so recently was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis. It affects any cartilegde, so could affect the upper part of your ear but not your ear lobe as there is no cartiledge there. Hopes this helps.
Dear friend, It is possible that this apparent cyst is a Carcinoid tumor. This is a rare neurendocrine neoplasm. The test you should have done is a chromgranin-A, and an octeotide scan,
e-mail for more info.
It's a blessing to connect with others who suffer from the "red ear syndrome". Years I have researched - spoke to medical professionals only to face road blocks time and time again. My first flare-up was many, many years ago in High School when the school beauty queen had choosen to share my text book in class - as the class erupted that we were "lovers" I blushed and someone in the class remarked I had red ears...years went by without even a hint of that until a few years after graduating from College - what started off as an occasional flare up turned out to be like a well timed event - each day, usually an hour or two after lunch one ear would first start off like a tinglely sting and quickly develop into a fire engine red display. (felt like I could as just strapped on a blue-flashing light on my head for the same attention getting effect). Never both ears - and the effect like everyone else has described in here - usually for me an hour - sometimes 2 - but after my red ears I had a serious calming effect. Not that I was overwhelmed before but I do seem to suffer from "low" hypertension. I felt food played a role as maybe a allergic reaction (blamed on milk or byproducts)...but changing eating habits had some effect at first but never was the cure.
However - red ears was a rare occurance during the weekends when I was not at work or it ususally was a lesser effect and later during the day.
My wife reassures me that its more in my head ... that red ears isn't so terrible but the truth that I have lost or bypassed promotions or career changes due to my burden. I dread hot days as it ususally ignites red ears - a hot car in the middle of the afternoon is a almost sure bet of another rush of hot blood hitting my ear. My ear usually is at its reddest at the upper part - usually the lower part (where woman have the ears pierced) stays somewhat unchanged. Cold water seems to do little to elevate the heat - but controlled breathing and chewing on gum has seemed to have some positive effects. I would chew gum ususally 2 hours before my timely occurance and it really seems to work.
I felt I had pinpointed the problem when years ago I read a article about red ears and those who suffer from "Fragile X"..those who suffer mild effects go through life never knowing they have this gene defect. There are obvious serious physical cases that are immediately diagnosed.
Red ears has played through much of my adult life - I have hoped it would be a passing fad - but even after nearly 15 years it makes it presence at the least opprotune time. Alcohol is a definate factor as during my wedding it flared like a 2 alarm blaze. I hope there will be a day I find out exactly what makes this happen - but it is comforting to know that I am not the only one who suffers from this. I Keep telling myself that only the truly blessed are actually given this "gifted" occurance....it has major powers when using the energy correctly. I wonder if most who suffer from red ears are overly sensitive ( I am) to the environment - people -noise - and have a strong tendancy towards artsy things. So I sign-off thanking this site for being my comfort blanket.....best of luck to all!!
If you meant hypotension when you said low hypertension, you might ask your allergist to to test you for mastocystosis. The lab test that evaluates one for this is called total serum tryptase. Not that you have this, but some of the symptoms for mastocytosis can be flushing (redness episodes) as well as episodes of hypotension (of course, hypotension is a more severe allergic reaction). If you seemed calm after the redness left (not during) as you indicated but didn't feel faint it may be nothing. However, it probably would be a good idea to get it checked just to rule it out.
Hello all, Wow there is sure alot of red earred people up in here :) Well I too suffer from this effect and it it usually one ear and sometimes both. I am 36 and have dealt with this problem most of my life. When I was a kid I would flush easy. Being a man it was rather embarrassing to have hot flashes the same time my mother was as she went through menapause lol.
It usually occurs after I get hot like after physical excercise or get in any kind of hot weather. I thought If I would tan indoors maybe it wouldn't be that noiceable. However, after hitting the tanning bed my ear would be ablaze for about 10 hours straight and is aggrivating. Sometimes for no apparent reason what so ever, I can be working in doors as I usually do in a medical office where its about 65 degrees with air conditioning and then all of a sudden my left ear just goes fire red. I can feel its on fire without even touching it. Could this be hormonal? I have not checked for cancer with special test, but my CBC and Basic metabolic panel is perfect. Once again I have been suffering from this for pretty much most of my life so I doubt its cancer. It has got to be a genetic thing is my thinking.
I also suffer from Vasomotor Rhinitis. If you do not know what this is, I would encourage you to look this up. I would like to make an educated guess here (been in the medical field for 13 years as a R.N. and Paramedic). I would probably guess that most of us have this condition (Vasomotor Rhinitis - hypersensitivity towards odors like perfume, cologne, candles, exhaust fumes, cold weather changes, cigarrete smoke etc.) You do not have to have all of these, as sometimes I can actually wear cologne and be around certain scents, but sometimes my body goes crazy. There is medication called Astelin that really helps with Vasomotor Rhinitis, but unfortunately I can't see how it could really help the entire body of a hypersensitive individual. Wish someone can help with this. Heck I would be willing to take an injection 5 times a day if it would help!
I have the same problem, almost everyday at about the same time. some days i get luck and nothing happens. I have had this problem for years. In my younger days I that it was the alcohol, but know I havent drink in 3 years. For a few years it didn't seem as bad but now it is back and seems worse in the winter months. I also hate a hot car or even worse my office at work is hot sometimes and it will just set it off. I wish there was a cure. I have been the the doctor 3 times this year and they don't know. Please keep me posted.
I also suffered from this problem - I am SOOOO sick of people commenting on it - ANYWAY - I eat porridge - rolled oats - every morning and they stopped after a few weeks - Of they start to come back I just eat some more and they go - I am very relieved!!!
eatting how MUCH and for how long.....plz help./...hope you r not joking
I take 1000 mg of cinnamon per day after lunch, I cut down on the sugar & salt and my red ears were gone in 2 days and have not return.
so 1g would do the trick ??
Oh my, I didnt read further just yet to find your results, i had to first pick my mouth up off the floor...i never mentioned it to my doctor about my red hot ears....mine started about 2 yrs ago, it was always the right ear...now its either ear and occassionaly both....i thought it was a blood pressure symptom....until my ears or ears got hot when my blood pressure was normal....like right this minute.
I sure hope its nothing serious...I considered hot flashes, but it doesnt seem to be the hot flashes associated with menopause.
Hi !
My doctor (endocrinologist) is amazed about the fact that I get this red ear every afternoon/evening (never had it before lunchtime)and they canīt find the reason in spite of very thourogh investigations. It often appears when I lay down or when itīs hot in the room. What triggers your hot ears ?
I also had a red hot ear problem. It is always the left ear. It has been happening for almost an year. I tried to investigate the reason. I have concluded that I have a habit of turning to my left when I am sleeping & I sleep with my left ear touching my pillow. I tried to change my sleeping direction to my right side & it seems to work. I have not had this problem for a week now after changing my sleeping style.
I also get hot red ears most often in the afternoon and evening but I do get it in the morning just not as bad. The worst time is laying down on my pillow or if the blanket is on my face, on either side. I dont just get it on my ears though I get it on my cheeks and ears first and it spreads to my arms. I get it when its hot or cold there arent many consistencies with it. I have thought it was anxiety (I have anxiety really bad), but I get it whenever. I thought I was allergic to certain medicines, but I stopped them and its still there. I have thought it could be a thing with fair skin but I dont think so. I thought hot flashes like menopause, but im 16 so I dont think its that. I have looked up the symptoms of mastocytosis like someone said it could be (my cousin had it when he was a baby), but I dont fit that. I have read that skin mites can do it and I had scabies years ago but I doubt its that. I looked into all the things ive seen on here that it could be but I dont fit any and I know my doctor will say its anxiety or something. my doctors have given me a different diagnosis for everything that cant be from anxiety and now I have so many diagnosises I have to think im either a hyperchondriac or have something really wrong that they cant find. I am going to see her but she doesnt ever help. oh ya another thing thats been worse lately is that I have a headache constantly but ive had bad headaches for years and these arent bad just annoying.
If anyone has any ideas let me know it just might help.
I am 53 years old and have had this syndrome since as long as i can remember and finally just found out that it was a syndrome... I doubt that this has any relation to cancer since i have never been sick except for an occasional cold all my life. I wouldn't worry about it.
Same thign happens to me... I have no idea why. I have to hide under a hat to cover my ears. Have you gotten any treatment for this? Any help is greatful
YES THIS DOES HELP
EATING ROLLED OATES EVERY MORNING
Hi - I also had this problem and found that if I eat rolled oats for breakfast every morning they stop - hope this helps you!
this is so funny!! I had no Idea anyone else had this problem. I have a new job that is so so stressful and I am sure it must come from that! I can't wait to read all that is on this site!! my left ear will get bright red and hot as can be. I thought maybe my blood pressure was up but have never had trouble with it. I have had a lot of problms with my back and neck lately, wonder if it is connected somehow. Great site...
Wowo. I too thought I was the omly one with this problem I am a healthy 24 year old woman, never had any health problems,EVER. When this first started happening about 1 year ago I didnt htink anyhting of it. It seems to be happening more frequently now and always my right ear. It gets so hot tha tit feeld like it is goign to burst. It is comfoting to know that other people deal with this too. I am curious now about seeking medical advice for it. Anyone with more info please post.
my ears have been gettin red for several yrs now and it has spread to my face, i have noticed that during stressful times like during exams and finals week it is worse, and also when im get tired... i just relax and it seesm to go away till the next tme.
Hi, Ok- I hit the mother lode! I am not a lone hot red ear... I am 42 and this has been happening to me for the last few months. Sometimes both, or one at a time and one time only part of my left ear was glowing red. I also have a redness that pops up on my nose, cheeks, chest and sometimes a little on the chin.
I get sicker than a dog this summer and was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in the fall.
I've got calls in to my rheumatologist and primary concerning the red hot ear stuff and face redness.
Hope we all get to the bottom of it and it's benign.
God bless!
That is what i have just done.
My right ear started burning so i did a search. I have had this many times in the past, its one or the other but mostly my right ear. It use to indicate coming illness and my left would indicate when i was intoxicated. Now it seems to be totally random
when you're ear goes hot it means someone is talking bad about you... suposably, so what you do Is do bite on you're tounge once really hard!! and what happens is the person talking bad about you is alking so much they accidently bite there tounge which makes them stop or stop for awhile.
My son gets hot red right ear as well.
A very distinquished chiropractor told us this: He needs his neck adjusted, as he has a pinched nerve. He specifically said the 2nd cervical needs adjustment, and that this chiropractor had treated numerous other patients for this problem and it alleviated their problem. I now have an appointment to take my son to a chiropractor. hope this helps.
This happens to my son as well, At school they call him Lava ears. He dosen"t act like it bothers him.... He says sometimes he is hot.Any answears?
Hello,
I just read your "hot ear" post, and wander if you have had any good results from the chiropractor? My 5yr old son recently developed this strange symptom a couple of weeks back, and I can't put my finger on what is causing it! We have cool flannels at the ready each time it occurs, and I have tried homeopathic remedies, which haven't hit the spot. His ear, usually the right, heats up and gets slightly swollen in the early evening hours!
Anyway, if you have any info which might shed light on this, i would be very grateful to hear it.
Many thanks
Debi
Debi,
My 9 year old son has the same deal going on, only at night though. He puts bags with ice on them. It's weird! About the Chiropractor, we go to one 3x a week to get adjusted. My son has been going for a year and it hasn't stopped his ears from getting fire hot.
My friend is also a member of the hot ear army!
Wow... i get tha hot ear syndrome too! I mostly get it mid-day. its always in ma right ear and last about an hour or so... i didnt realize so many people get it... it burns but it aint painful, jus a bothersome. i have kinda pain in tha back part of my head behind my right ear... im not sure if its associated with it or what... anyone else got that pain???
hey alex i know what your talking about. im sorry that i have no information on solving the problem but i read your comment and saw that we have the exact same problem. I used to only get the hot ear thing when i was a child but recently after 10 years of not having it, it came back the past five nights and has affected my sleep terribly. Its only my left ear but i have no idea what to do about it, it realy is just annoying. If you could have any info on what to do to stop the situation please help me out. Thanks
my ear always turns red. Always my left ear. It freaks me out but i know im ok. I wonder what causes it??
Food allergies can cause redness of the ears. Children can have red ears after drinking apple juice, milk , etc. It won't show up on allergy tests, just like lactose intolerance doesn't show up. Next time it happens make a note of what you have just eaten or drank. See if it happens again later.
I guess misery loves company ...
I too have had this same problem! It has probably been going on for 2-3 years and seems to be getting worse!
Like clockwork my right ear gets red every evening between 8-10pm. It can and does occur throughout the day also!
I recently gave up drinking wine (due to what I have read here), and it seemed like the ear did not get red for a few days ... then it started again just like everyday, so back to the wine!
I note that heat (hot rooms) activates the redness as does sexual activity?
I get an aura, tinnitus, right jaw pain in association with the red ear?
Am presently being worked up for Relapsing Polychondritis ... don't know which is worse? My Rheumatologist did not seem to know about Red Ear Syndrome!
God bless you all ...
Interesting! Very Interesting! I have experienced the one red "hot" ear as long as I can remember. I am 38 yrs old. My 17 yr old daughter also has this happen and most recently my friends little guy who is almost 7 has this one red hot ear thtoday g... The interesting thing about all of us... we've bben diagnosed with ADHD. I have also been researching other possible disorders, i.e. sleep disorders and ODD in my daughter. Working with a therapists to look closer at a few things but was just on line and decided to start my research. The red hot ear definelety shows up at times of stress, tension, anger is in the midst.
You must have testing for Polychondritis Relapse. This disease is often ovelooked because it is so rare. My grandson has this syndrome. The potential life threatening results need to be addressed and treated if possible.
hi! I am just stunned right now to read your email. I am "searching" today b/c of my 6 yr old son and his red ear! he has been suffering with this for his entire life! we've talked to drs. about it but it was passed off as no big deal (and it's really not a HUGE deal but very bothersome to him at times!) what is most interesting to me is that my son also has been considered to have ODD! i would love to know anything you find out about this! please pass it on if it is not an inconvenience. i will do the same. thank you in advance and have a great day. i feel better right now just knowing that there are others out there who experience this!!
My grandson is 3 1/2 years old and is experiencing this problem. His right ear turns red and hot 3 to 4 times a week. Have you found out what is causing your sons problem?
Thank you
Melissa, Did you ever find out anything that helped you understand the red ear in your son? My grandson has had it for years...he's six now. Comes on when he is tired....evenings. ???
this is all so strange, but did any of you ever think of the blood pressure thing?about a year ago, i was drinking alot of hard alcohol one night and all of the sudden my right ear started burning.i thought something had bit me, then my left ear started.i looked in the mirror and they were both bright red!it freaked me out.im 28 my health is good but i am a single mom of 2 small kids.i cant say im the most relaxed person in the world.in fact im really tired and stressed for the most part.anyways,everytime i drink this happens and when i get really mad/stressed.i dont know for sure but i would swear its linked to my blood pressure.if any one has heard of this please let me know.
Hi! I am 32 years old - in good health. I have this red ear problem - in fact have done for a few years now - Yes! it's embarrasing - My blood pressure is excellent, I don't drink and I just don't know! I was very relieved to read that it's not just me with this problem. I have not been able to ascertain what triggers it - it can happen anytime. I am mostly a vegan vegetarian and am very careful about toxins & chemicals. I wonder if it is a hormonal problem??? Who has perfect hormones this day & age?
Have you had any luck finding anything more out?
Hi Louise !
I have had this problem for almost ayear now. Mostly my left ear turn red and hot but sometimes my left ear and cheeks also turn red and hot. The strange thing is that I always get this in the afternoon at 3 pm or in the evenig at 8 pm.
have you experienced this facial flush also ? I have been tested for carcinoid and mastocytosis but they havenīt found anything abnormal yet. My problem triggers by stress and temperature changes.
I think I have found the answer - eating lots of rolled oats seem to stop it - I think there is something in rolled oates for the nervous system???
let me know how you go - it only took 2 weeks for mine to stop
hi ,i am 45 years old ,i have high blood pressure but i take medecine and i keep it under control.however my ears turn red in the evening while my blood pressure is normal,specially my right ear for about an hour.then it goes back normal.i doono why but it is very embarassing.
Exactlythe same thing here. only in the afternnon or evening. Blood pressure fine. Aspirin proivdes some relief but I am not sure if it or time causes the redness and heat to be reduced. I am having back surgery In late December for pinched nerves and will be curious if the redness goes away or changes after that. I have seen some comments suggesting a link. Will keep all of you informed.
Hi. My son (4) has started having this hot ear problem. It started I think last month and in June he was "unofficially" diagnoised w/Asperger Syndrome.
my cousin (3)has been diagnosed with aspergers and when he was a baby he had mastocytosis (he outgrew it). I dont know if he has hot red ears but I know his ears do get red but we dont pay much attention to it because he doesnt complain. He does get alot of ear infections so maybe he just doesnt notice anymore. If you didnt read it someone on here said mastocytosis can cause it. I dont know if this will help you but I wanted to let you know.
Currently researching the topic: google-red ear food sensitivity and ADHD
I am surprised to see so many people discussing about this, me and my wife discoverd this with my 4 yr old kid and today thought to research on it..now it seems its not as uncommon as I thought. And yes my kid was also diagnosed with ADHD and his only one ear gets red when playing or partying.
Patrick again!!!
Just wanted to let you know that the Rheumatologist has ruled out Relapsing Polychondritis (thank goodness) and has now referred me to a Neurologist to work me up for Trigeminal Neuralgia! I don't have the severe pain that these people do, but there may be some relation to the symptoms?
Just saw my ENT MD and he thought it might be related to TMJ syndrome?
I'm getting sick of seeing specialists and no one has the correct answer!!!
While I wait on the appointment with the Neurologist I will set up a meeting with an Acupuncturist who also does massages!
MY ENT MD suggested that an epidemiological approach to this syndrome would be very beneficial for data collection! Any researchers out there?
Patrick,
I have the same symptoms like you ! However my Rheumatologist says there are no tests that will confirm Relapsing Polychondritis. How did your Rheumatologist rule out Relpasing Polychondrities for you ?
Patrick -
Let me know if you find anything out. My ears started doing the same thing a few weeks ago - like clockwork right at 815pm each night. Right ear way more red than the left but both glowing hot. I had gone on a fluoride free diet (no fluoride toothpaste and only bottled water)two weeks previously as it was suspected that fluoride negatively affects my thyroid gland. Its like my ears are trying to purge something each night. Your post caught me as I have been stunned at the timing of the event so exact each night.
Take your ears away from the heaters dumb asses!
dont be an ass this is a real thing and to the parents of kids with this we dont need your stupid remarks
Dani,
Could you be more insensitive. Don't reply just to be a jerk!
do you have nothing better to do then to check blogs and make fun of people with an unknown symtom? i pitty you, as you must me a small human being.
I also suffer from this condition. It is always the left ear. I seem to fit all the characteristics too - type o bllod, easily stressed, possible ADD (never diagnosed, frequent bowel movements etc.
I just (5/2/06) ran a search on this topic for the same reason. This only started happening for me about 2 months ago, and it's not an everyday thing. I am 30, mom, easily stressed, type O+, possible ADHD (never diagnosed)...this part of the page really caught my attention because of the fact that my son, who is now 9, has had this happen regularly for some time. He has been diagnosed ADHD and ODD (you want a bad combination? OMG!!! But that's a whole different story). He is also O+.
It just seems to me that there is a strong correllation being shown in the posters here regarding a potential link between ADD/ADHD/ODD and this Red Hot Ear crap. Mine occurs at varying times, but always after 4pm. The first episode hit several days in a row at 8pm, like clockwork. I work at a desk, day and night. I am training for a marathon, but I've been a runner since high school. It occurs when I am concentrating on work, driving, watching television...doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason.
Granted, those items mentioned could very easily be coincidental, but it really does seem interesting to me to see so many people with the same issues. I would be greatly interested in finding out if there really is a connection there.
Replying to my own post here. In a quick search, here is some interesting information that gives a good explanation:
http://www.mrbully.nl/ch/chredear.htm
As a migraine sufferer, and yes, there are migraines that can present all symptoms except pain--I get the whole gammut--this does make sense. Frankly, if a day goes by without a migraine, I end up with a bad headache. So, there could very well be a strong correlation there. My son gets headaches, too, but I work 9-14 hours a day and have to rely mostly on 2nd hand information to know his symptoms.
Thought you might want to check out that site.
A teacher I knew had a terrible migraine every day. When he rebuilt the garage in the basement of his house, it was full of mould. They repaired everything, and his migraine stopped immediately, after some 20 years! Personally I have this red-ear syndrome since about ten years. Always in the afternoons, around 2-5 pm, which has made me think it is food related (the metabolism process when the food reach the intestines). I have excluded red wine and coffee (drink green tea instead), and it has helped a little, but I have also tested to skip cheese and bread for a while, and it has also improved my condtion.
My mother had an allergy against cold temperatures, and was also very sensitive for different medicines. I have also some reactions against cold temperatures (as well as my twin brother). My ears does not turn red as much as usual if I eat less, and practice a lot. It is certainly also related to stress for me, and I have heard something about that the stress hormones, such as cortisol, can be a factor. I am slim, well trained person of 52 years of age, and I appriciate very much this homepage. Try to remove some of your usual foods, one by one, for a week or so, and note the results. And try to remove stressful situations, then perhaps, You can at least reduce the problem.
I'm sooo happy to find other people with the same thing. What I find intereting is that it seems red hot left ear people are in the type that are mostly 0+,possible ADHD, etc. and the red hot right ear people are more about a specific time (or timeframe). Would you agree?
I too have been dealing with my ear turning red and sometimes very hot for a few months now. I recently seen my doctor about this because my heart rate increases when my ear is red. Sometimes I feel drained afterwards. So far I've had blood work done and a ultrasound on my Thyroid to determine Thyroid diesease. And wore a holter to monitor my heart rate. Waiting for results. What's interesting after reading some of these comment. I too am O+. I hate the thoughts of going through all the tests to find out whats going on. My main concern is my heart racing like it does for the hour or so my ear is red. I experience nausea, headaches and I get very fatigued afterwards.
Have blood labs to rule out pheochromocytoma (plasma free metanephrines), mastocytosis (total serum tryptase), and carcinoid syndrome (chromogranin A). (I also replied to "Code Red" above.)
What if you have already been tested for pheochromocytoma, mastocytosis and carcinoid syndrome and the test results were fine everytime?? Symptoms for last year or so include red hot ears, face, arms, elevated BP and pulse when it occurs, nausea, sometimes headache, and very fatigued after a big episode of it. The symptoms come on any time of the day but usually later in the day. Have had the "million dollar workup" with no conclusions of what is wrong with me. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
me too. always my left ear. People say things to me. It is happening for years.
Hi Anonymous. I was reading down through the post, and saw your comments.
I am type O, 2-3 BM's a day typically, stress easily, Type A personality. I have never considered myself ADD, never diagnosed.
I have noticed my hot ears for about a year or two. It seems that it is usually my right ear, as it is right this moment. I am a drinker, 3-4 times a week, but have slowed down the quantity since I hit my mid-thirties. Have high BP in family, although mine is usually OK, but leaning towards the high side more often than not.
I always assumed my ears were a symptom of high BP, but I am changing my mind. However, I have noticed that it usually occurs during stress or tired. I am tired at this moment, which could be the cause. Had four beers last night, which typically isn't alot for me.
My 4 year old son also experiences this phenomenon, always when he is tired and needs to go to sleep. I will keep an eye on him now for ADD symptoms.
Just wanted to add my traits to your summarization. I am sure I will see other people similar to us as I read further down.
I developed this "red ear syndrome" about 6 years ago, a month or so after returning from a mountain climbing trip to Mt.Rainier and Mt.Baker in August. It began as a hot, flushed, burning sensation on the left side of my face and forearm as I was driving home form work about 3-4pm. I thought it was just the sun shining through my car window. Next it would occur in the afternoon when I was at the gym and it was then that I noticed in the mirror how red my ear was. I am a nurse anesthetist so I immediately began to record my symptoms and when they occurred and I was also able to measure that the local skin temperature does increase when the flushing begins suggesting that this is some sort of neurovascular syndrome. I asked several surgeons about it and no one had a clue. I saw my Interal Med. MD who ran every test known to man. Then I saw a neurologist and a rhuematologist, both of which had no clue what this might be or any suggestions. The frequency of occurance and the intensity of my symptoms progressed over about 6 months to include burning along my left lateral thigh, calf and the sole of my foot. Eventually it spread to the right side but the flushing/ burning occurs only on one side at a time and only rarely on the right side. I can no longer wear socks or a hat because they are always burning to some degree and I feel as if I am overheating and might faint. The burning does not follow any nerve dermatone zones and does not appear to be linked to stress levels, alcohol intake, weather, but it does seem to occur more in the fall/winter for me and in the afternoon or night hours. But I live in SC so it might just be so hot that I don't actually notice the burning as much during the warmer months. After about a year my symptoms and flushing episodes sort of leveled off and have been stable ever since. The scary part is that I returned to Mt. Baker and Rainier the next fall with some friends and about a month after our return my climbing partner (Mark) and another friend (Pat) developed the same syndrome!!!!! We were all negative for Lyme's disease (which was every MD's 1st bet) Sojourns, Relapsing Polychondritis, fibromyalgia, carcinoid syndrome, an assortment of autoimmune disorders. You name it, we all got tested and were negative plus we are all pretty much healthy otherwise. Pat and I work at the same hopital but the mountain trips are the only common link that the 3 of us share. We all had mild flu like symptoms after we summited and then developed knee joint pain and then the flushing started. Now we all have very dry mucus membranes, just in the nose and have nose bleeds. Our MD's settled on either a chemical or biological toxic exposure (perhaps from melting snow for water) that produced some sort of neurological damage that also involves the vascular system and may involves the sympathetic nervous sytem. But if any of you out there have any thing similar to what we have then the Mountain trips can not be the causal link. Some one needs to start compiling a data base of symptoms and the onset and patterns of occurance. Pat (also a nurse with a PhD in Public Health) and I might be interested in developing a web site that would have persons with this syndrome complete a questionaire/assessment tool to be used to gather data and look for a common link. We are trying to pitch this idea to our Internal Med. Docs and maybe the local university public health department. It would be great to include a university that has a program in epideminology. If anybody out there has symptoms similar to ours or if you are interested in helping us try to launch this "data collection" project, please reply. Thanks
I've had this for so many years I thought I was used to it. Til today. It has ALWAYS been my right ear and today around 5 pm I went to the john and noticed it was my left ear! For what it's worth, I'm 53, female, on hormones, ADHD, AB+,and chubby. Sometimes my nose burns too, and gets red. My ear is not just red, it's PURPLE! I have been known to put ice on it, to no avail. It goes away in about an hour. I've never documented the time of day or my moods but maybe I will now.
Wendy,
When I read about problem occuring after your trip to Mt Rainer & Mt Baker It caught my attention. We live at base of Mt. Rainer and I have joked here that it's our water affecting so many pepole here with cancer in our town.... But I have had the red buring ear mostly the left for some time. My feet and stomach have been affected with the same burning sensation but its been a couple of years and I thought it was the start of menopaause. But this only started after moving here to Washington State I've been here 13 years. Also very dry mucas menbrane and tonight had another nose bleed.... So here to Data Collection
I would be very interested in this. My 11 year old son has suffered from red hot ears for several years. He has had a bad episode these past few weeks. His ears get so hot that he cannot sleep. He puts ice packs on his ears in order to get some relief. He wakes up during the night when the ice packs wear off. I have been making several trips a night to the freezer. I have mentioned this to my pediatrician in the past and they just say they have never heard of this. We went to an ENT once and he acted like I was crazy. We need help.
Kelly,
My son of 13 years old is having the same problem. He too puts ice on his ears. There does not seem to be a pattern of activity that trigers it. However I notice a few people mentioned they were ADHD/ADD and my son may be as well. We are in the process of having him tested.
I have recently noticed my 6 yr old son's right ear gets very hot and very red and the other one is normal and I am just online now researching this and he has been diagnosed with ADD. I wonder if there is any connection. I have not mentioned this to our Ped. yet but will.
Kelly,
I have a ten year old son with the same problem. He usually sleeps with wet/cold washcloths on his ears. Our ENT said he HAD heard of this condition. I don't remember what it was called, but he said it actually had to do with the cartilage or tendons in the ears becoming inflamed-not blood vessels like everyone assumes. The only relief is steroids, and since they can only be used temporarily, it's not really a solution. He also said it may never get worse, or it may be an indicator of some sort of tendon/cartilage disease he may get when he becomes an adult.
Hope this clears up the mystery. My son also has ADHD, but I don't think it has anything to do with it. I have another child with ADHD and he does not have this inflamed ear burning problem.
Linda
Linda,
Thanks for the info. I will keep it in mind. He has not had an episode of hot ears for awhile (knock on wood). The last episode was at Christmas time and lasted a few weeks. I do not know if there is a connection to ADHD. My son does have ADD tendencies, but not the hyperactivity part. FYI, there is a Yahoo group for those who suffer with red, hot ears called the red ear colony. The email address is redearfounder@yahoogroups.com.
I have had this problem with my ears for years now. It actually started with my cheeks and would normally occur when I was stressed, angry, or embarrassed. Then it started in my ears and has been happening everyday for a couple of weeks now. I noticed the other day that my daughter, who is only 18 months old, had the red hot ear problem, but it was only her right ear. That's when it started to bother me. I've never worried about it before, I just figured maybe my blood pressure was up. But when I saw that my baby had the same thing, that's what made me want to start to research this problem. She has now come down with pneumonia and I am just getting over bronchitis, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I've never really mentioned it to a doctor because I figured they would think I was just crazy. Now that I see that this is something that happens to a lot of people, I am definitely going to mention it to our doctors. I know that I am O+, I don't know what my daughter's blood type is. As far as I know I don't have ADD or ADHD or ODD. I am 24 years old and overweight but am currently taking Phentermine to lose weight. I've never really kept track of the time of day or anything because I just assumed it was something normal thing for me. Like I said, I've had it for years, as long as I can remember. And for me it gets worse in the summer. Once I go outside my cheeks will get burning hot, and now my ears do too. But the worse part about it is that even after I go inside, I can't cool down, sometimes for hours. If I'm in the car I have to have the air conditioner on full blast and pointed directly at my face, otherwise, it burns really bad and feels like my face is tightening up. I've noticed that the sun really plays a big part in it because sometimes, even during the winter, only my left ear and cheek will get red and hot while I'm driving. But if I can get out of the sun, sometimes that helps. I do not want my daughter to go through what I have gone through with this problem so if anyone finds out anything, please let me know. Thank you.
Have you seen your md? It sounds like sun sensitivity may be a problem.
I have a few friends who have Lupus. I'm not saying that's what it is but definitely worth checking out.
I have Psoriatic Arthritis and red, hot ears and facial redness. Sometimes the sun affects my skin like that too. So far I've tested negative for Lupus and have not tracked down the cause of the redness. Rosacea also can cause redness, burning etc.
Keep asking and researching. It might help to journal about it so you may expose a pattern.
God bless you and your little one.
I have the same symptoms where its not just on ears. It also goes onto my arms and seems to be getting worse and more frequent. It also seems more often in the winter/spring for me. I live in AZ so I might just think its the heat but very often people tell me that im getting a sunburn but I can tell that its just the heat or something and that it will go away eventually (not a sunburn). I dont know if thats normal to seem to have a sunburn just from heat. I wrote more above. I have kept a small log of the symptoms as they develop, but I havent written any times because its so frequent. I have never been to that mountain or any where near it though. Im willing to help anyway I can to figure out what this is.
I would be interested as I have suffered from red burning ears on and off for many years. I am now 57. I find that I get them every evening now in the cooler months of the year. Sometimes just one, sometimes both burn at once. I find that putting hot water on them is better than cold, as when you remove the 'hot' sensation, the air around the ear feels colder, hence the ear starts to cool down. Also putting something on them like 'sunburn cream' helps. Cheers.
this is nearly a year after you posted this and i can only hope that you have started this web site, i am 22 and have been dealing with this for 2 years. my symtoms are never constante, and seem to fluxuate from better to worse. i have kept in mind adhd, odd etc. but of coarse drs. have no clue. the only thing i have been able to pin point is mild or severe back,neck pain and stress, anxiety, anger, or simply being un easy in your current sittuation. i ask all of you (red ear troops) to examin what exactly is going on in your lives while this burning sensation occurs. ihave found that anything from a new relationship to aggrivation at the work place may cause our problem. think about it has this ever happend when you are perfectly content with your life. my answer is no. anyways i am serious about this and the only way we can make something happen is if we work together! if there are this many of us it cannot be as rare as we all once thought it was. so i implore you to please make this web site and let us find or own answers.
David,
I have noticed exactlythe same thing. I am in outside sales. During the day Iam driving and I am fine. If I make a sale, I am fine. WenI am confronted with a customer that is not buying, I my left ear gets red an hot. Please note that this is usually in the evenings. I had an episode the other day, I was watching football relaxing. In come the kids with a lot of noise and WHAM here it is again. There is no question in my self diagnosi that this is stress related. I am not sure how to handle this issue. It has only started with in the last six months. The first time it happened I freaked out and went to the hospital. The ran blood tests and heart test. All were fine. No doctors can diagnose. ihave been to a cardio doc. No clue. They just say, "It doesn't appear to be life threatening." What do you think?
Get re-tested for Lyme, there are a lot of people who get tested and get false negatives. Go to a Dr. who really knows Lyme. I saw a program on Discovery channel on this, and the guy was literally about to die when he found a Dr. who diagnosed him when he had been tested and they said he didn't have Lyme...he did.
Hi Wendy - I have the exact same situation. I drove up to Steven's Pass and on the way back, i felt my ears fume up. I would like to be involved in the investigation and would love to contribute. Please email me and we can take this forward.
Was wondering what even happened to your study idea. Its been a year or two since you posted about it. Happened upon it just today. Also was wondering about the washington thing. I am origionally from Gresham Or. Now live in Nebraska. But have had this issue for years. Let me know. Thanks.
I am in my fourties and have had this condition all of my life. I don't realize it is happening untill someone mentions how red my ear is. The problem is my 15 year old is bothered by this most of the time. Both of his ears get bright red. We have had many tests ran by various physicians and no one has come up with a solution. The skin on my son's earlobes is very smooth. It looks inflammed and swollen when it is red. His ears get so hot that it is painful to him. If anyone has any suggestions we are open to trying anything that will work. Thanks
I get that too A LOT!!!!!!!!! It happens to both ears and it happens like, all the time. Why does it do that. People say that it's because of the uneven fluid in the ear. Is that true?
it is fluid in the ears. cuz i can hear it and feel it.
i swim alot. at first i thought it was cell phones. then
from noise pollution, but today i believe its fluid.
try ear candling.
My husband and 4 year old son, both randomly get what we call hot ear, cold ear. One is bright red and hot and the other is white and cold. We just recently noticed this in my son. How many of you have hot ear, cold ear as opposed to hot ears?
Suz... I can certainly relate to the hot ear/cold ear personally, and also for my son. Ours is generally brought on in the evening. It can easily be triggered by warm temperature, touch, or anxiety. My son is 7 and was diagnosed 2 years ago with ADHD. I too am probably a candidate as well, however this disorder wasn't around when I was his age. Anyway, it is rather bizarre and I have just lived with it. I would hope maybe though that there is some type of treatment for this condition in the future.
Look at the book Highly Sensitive Child page 20 and also the book Indigo Child. There are other explinations for ADHD.
I have had my right ear turn red and burn to the point that its really uncomfortable for as long as I can remember. It happensed almost once a day. Im almost 20 now and its really kind of embarressing.
my left ear turns red and hot every day or about every day between the hours of 2:30 and 4:00. It has been happening for at least three years now. I have spoke to my cardio doctor about it, he cannot find an aswer but said he never heard of it. I am a little more at ease that others have this thing going on. I am 38 yo white male. Does anyone know what this is or how to stop it. Sometimes it is very uncomfortable.
Hello, I'm studying this problem which is called the red ear syndrom for my thesis. I can send you some information but it's in french.If someone could send me a picture during a crisis it would be useful for me. Thanks a lot
Hello, Funny I found this by looking up red, hot ear also. My right ear is red now. I've found some information that it might have to do with circulation. Maybe that's what's wrong with me. No circulation to the brain lol, jk. I smoked for 15 years I thought that might have something to do with it. I've been a non-smoker for 4 months now. I also have asked my physician, there's just no typical answer for this. I sure don't like the feeling though, it just doesn't feel natural. I hope we can get an answer to this?
Check out the book Highly Sensitive Child and read page 20.
Experiencing it as we speak! Right ear!
I had this problem for the last 2 years and I finally brought it up to my doctor. I was told it is the first stages in menopause. Men ALSO get it, but they DON'T like to come forward with it due to their manhood... But, I was told this by my doctor whom other people have been reporting the same symptoms...It is pre-menopause, if you don't believe it, ask your own doctor....
I have trouble believing this since I'm only 26
My twelve year old son has been experiencing red hot ears for about the past six years. One ear or the other gets red and feels hot to the touch. It happens a few times a year. Maybe the TEA website is on the right track. It's worth checking out.