Ear Twitches/Thumps When I Talk?!

[cheyennes]

This has been going on for a while but is happening more frequently lately. When I talk, or even just smile sometines, something inside my ears (mostly my left ear) reacts; it kind of twitches and makes a "thump" sound. It feels like something in there is quickly expanding and contracting, or being pushed and then released. This also happens when I hear a moderately loud noise. It doesn't seem like hyperacusis because it's not painful, per se, but it is very uncomfortable.

I was diagnosed with ETD last month and have developed some TMJ pain/stiffness recently as well, mostly on the left side of my face. I understand the probable cause of my ear fullness and jaw soreness, but this twitchy sensation in my ears is mystifying. I had to cut a conversation short earlier because it happened at nearly every word I said. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

 

[Bill Bauer]

I had to cut a conversation short earlier because it happened at nearly every word I said. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

I have. It is called tonic tensor tympani syndrome (TTTS). It is my understanding that it gets better, but it could take a year or longer for it to happen.

 

[aimeemaire]

@cheyennes I also get thumping, but mine is triggered more by burping/hiccuping/yawning. Sometimes it just starts out of nowhere. It's maddening.

Let me know if you ever find anything that helps, and I will do the same!

 

[Contrast]

Tonic Tensor Typani Spasms
TTTS

A muscle in the middle ear is spasming, most likely due to a neurological defense mechanism because their is a loss of hearing in that ear or something else is damaged. No one knows for sure.