Vibration sound or noise in ear

Why is my ear vibrating (and how to stop it)?

Vibration and fluttering in ears: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Vibration in the ear and fluttering ear are often not just sensations, but a symptom of potential disorders. Here's what you need to know about potential causes and whether it's time to contact a medical professional.

Dr. Tom Tedeschi

Reviewed by

Dr. Thomas Tedeschi, Au.D.

Chief Audiology Officer, Miracle-Ear

Why is my ear vibrating?

What causes fluttering in the ear? The sensation of vibration in the ear does not have a single cause, but many. It is mainly associated with tinnitus, but there are several other less common causes to consider. It is important to identify the underlying cause in order to understand how to treat vibration in the ear.

When ear vibration accompanies the sensation of fluttering ears and a simultaneous ringing or noise in the ears, this is referred to as pulsatile tinnitus. In this case, the vibration is combined with the sound of one's heartbeat in the ears, which is perceived as a pulsation due to the passage of blood through the blood vessels.

The Eustachian tube is the tube that connects the back of the mouth with the middle ear (tympanic cavity), and serves to aerate it and maintain the pressure balance between the two surfaces of the eardrum. When for various reasons (e.g., changes in altitude) the balance is disturbed, there is a sensation of "muffled" ear.

All pathological conditions that increase mucus and earwax production (rhinosinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis, etc.) make the tube's task more difficult. Also the imbalance of the muscles of chewing and swallowing can give rise to a malfunction of the Eustachian Tube. Any of these Eustachian tube dysfunctions can lead to unpleasant sensations and, among them, vibration in ear.

Alterations and dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint can in some cases cause the perception of vibrating ear and tinnitus or amplify its intensity. Some components of the middle ear share a common origin with the mandible and TMJ.

An altered TMJ function can be caused by asymmetries, dental malocclusions, bruxism, stress, which are responsible for excessive contracture of the masticatory muscles.  An altered nerve signal from the masticatory muscles and temporo mandibular joints can interfere with auditory perceptions and cause the sensation of a vibrating ear.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inner part of the nose caused by an allergen (such as pollen or dust). This condition can result in an inflammatory state with subsequent production of mucus, that can turn into earwax. This can create Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and, consequently, the vibrating ear sensation.

Being exposed to loud noises can cause two main types of hearing loss: temporary hearing threshold shift, which is often perceived as a temporary inability to hear after being exposed to excessively loud noises, and permanent hearing threshold shift. 

Head and neck trauma can also be a cause for tinnitus which results in headaches, memory loss and dizziness. In the presence of tinnitus, however, it is always advisable to seek medical attention. 

Some researchers suggest that dysfunctional contractions of the muscles in the middle ear can cause fluttering sounds and vibration in ears. Doctors call this rare condition middle ear myoclonus (MEM). Among the others, this condition was analyzed in the study Middle Ear Myoclonus: Two Informative Cases and a Systematic Discussion of Myogenic Tinnitus.
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Do you think you suffer from tinnitus?

If you think you may be suffering from tinnitus, schedule an appointment at one of our hearing centers that specializes in this condition. A Miracle-Ear professional will examine your hearing, free of charge, and advise you on the next possible steps.

Ear vibration: diagnosis

If an Eustachian Tube Dysfunction is the most likely cause of the vibration in ear, an ENT examination will be needed, to discover potential ear conditions. Otherwise, if TMJ disorders are the most likely cause, another option would be also to consult a dentist experienced in Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) problems, and especially in TMJ-ear relationships.

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How do I stop my ear from vibrating?

Treatment of vibration in the ear is not unique, as it depends on treating the underlying cause of this condition. Here are some treatment options depending on the cause:

  • Some medications may lead to vibration in ear and ear fluttering. These medications are called "ototoxic" and can create problems to ear health as side effect. In this case it is good to see a doctor to know if some medication or dosage can potentially create this problem.
  • If a TMJ disorder is the cause, a multidisciplinary treatment may be needed. That require treatment by the dentist, the physiotherapist and osteopath, and maxillofacial surgeon.
  • If Eustachian Tube Dysfunction is the cause, the focus of treatment is often on the nose due to the disturbance of tube ventilation and the resulting insufficient ventilation caused by the accumulation of phlegm. To ensure smooth ventilation again, doctors often recommend: nasal wash with saline solution, decongestant nasal sprays or decongestant drugs. Tubular catarrh therapy may also require medical interventions, like aspiration of the mucus, placement of a tube to aid for ventilation or surgical removal of any obstacles to ventilation.
  • If tinnitus is the cause, hearing aids can be the best treatment option. In fact, state-of-the-art hearing aids incorporate tinnitus masking, that helps dealing with tinnitus. Learn more on Miracle-Ear hearing aids for tinnitus!

In most cases, a consultation with your doctor can help determine if vibration in your ear could be a symptom of a more serious problem that could be affecting your hearing health. In this case, immediate treatment can definitely help reduce the problems related to your ear. Depending on the patient, the doctor may suggest some specific tests, including a hearing test. Remember, you can recieve free hearing test at the Miracle-Ear center closest to you. 

You may experience vibration in ears during and after a flight: this is typical of a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which produces a barotrauma or pressure change trauma. It is best to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.
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Why is my left or right ear fluttering?

The occurrence of ear vibration sounds specifically in either the right or left ear can be attributed to several reasons, often related to localized factors affecting that ear's anatomy or function:

  • Localized muscle spasms: Involuntary contractions of the tiny muscles within the middle ear, such as the tensor tympani or stapedius muscles, may be more pronounced or frequent in one ear than the other. These spasms can cause a fluttering sensation that is felt uniquely in one ear;
  • Ear canal structure: Differences in the anatomy or structure of the ear canal between the left and right ears can also contribute to sensations being felt more prominently in one ear. For example, variations in the size or shape of the ear canal may affect how vibrations or sounds are perceived;
  • Localized conditions or injuries: Certain conditions, such as ear infections, trauma, or abnormalities within the ear itself, may primarily affect one ear. These conditions can alter the sensitivity of the ear to vibrations or sounds, resulting in sensations that are isolated to one side;
  • Tinnitus: If the fluttering sensation is associated with tinnitus, which involves the perception of internal noises like buzzing or ringing, it may occur asymmetrically due to differences in hearing sensitivity or underlying causes affecting one ear more than the other.

Vibration in the inner ear with noise

Experiencing vibrations in the inner ear accompanied by noise can be disconcerting and may indicate various underlying issues. This sensation could stem from muscle spasms within the middle ear, such as the tensor tympani muscle, which can contract involuntarily and create vibrations. Additionally, it might be associated with conditions like tinnitus, where individuals perceive internal noises such as ringing, buzzing, or humming.

Other potential causes include changes in inner ear fluid dynamics or responses to external stimuli like loud noises or changes in air pressure. If you're experiencing persistent vibrations accompanied by noise in your inner ear, it's advisable to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.

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FAQs about ear vibration

When yawning or talking you may feel a vibration in your ear or a popping sound. This is due to the formation of a plug of earwax in the Eustachian tube. For this reason, it is also possible to have the sensation of a fluttering ear when you move your head, chew, talk yawn. But don't panic; this sensation is only temporary and will disappear quickly.

Experiencing a vibrating sensation in your ear can be uncomfortable and may have several underlying causes. One common reason is muscle spasms, where small muscles within the ear, such as the tensor tympani or stapedius, spasm and cause a fluttering or vibrating sensation. This is often temporary and can be triggered by stress or fatigue.

Another possible cause is Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear, and if it becomes blocked or doesn't function properly, you might feel vibrations or a sense of fullness.

Additionally, ear infections or inflammation can lead to similar sensations. In some cases, tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, can also present as a vibrating sensation. If the vibration persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When your ear vibrates, it can indicate several possible underlying causes:

  • Muscle spasms: Small muscles in the ear, such as the tensor tympani or stapedius muscles, may involuntarily contract or spasm. This can cause a fluttering or vibrating sensation in the ear;
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube helps regulate pressure in the middle ear. Dysfunction or blockage of this tube can lead to abnormal sensations like vibrations or a feeling of fullness in the ear.;
  • Sound perception: Sometimes, what feels like ear vibration may actually be the perception of certain sounds or frequencies, which can be indicative of conditions like tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears);
  • External factors: Vibrations in the ear can also result from external stimuli, such as loud noises or changes in air pressure (e.g., during air travel).

If ear vibrations persist or are accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek evaluation by a healthcare professional. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment or management options.

The sensation of inner ear vibration can be attributed to several potential causes, primarily involving the intricate structures within the inner ear itself. It may result from muscle spasms of the tiny muscles within the ear, such as the tensor tympani or stapedius muscles, which can involuntarily contract and cause a vibrating feeling.

Another possible reason could be related to changes or dysfunction in the Eustachian tube, which regulates pressure in the middle ear. Such issues may lead to sensations like vibration or a sense of fullness deep within the ear canal.

Additionally, inner ear vibrations could also be linked to conditions like tinnitus, where individuals perceive ringing or buzzing sounds internally. If you experience persistent inner ear vibrations alongside other concerning symptoms such as pain or hearing disturbances, it's advisable to seek medical evaluation to pinpoint the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment options.

Feeling a rumbling sensation in your ear when lying down can be attributed to several potential factors. One common cause is muscle spasms, particularly of the tensor tympani muscle, which can contract involuntarily and create a rumbling sound or sensation in the ear. This muscle is sensitive to stress and changes in position, often becoming more active when you lie down.

Another possible reason could be related to changes in pressure within the middle ear due to shifts in posture. Additionally, individuals with conditions like Eustachian tube dysfunction may experience variations in pressure when lying down, leading to rumbling sensations.

If this sensation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, hearing loss, or dizziness, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.

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