Eardrum Spasm

Q: What is an eardrum spasm?

An eardrum spasm, also called middle ear myoclonus, involves involuntary contractions of the tensor tympani or stapedius muscles that can produce clicking, buzzing, or thumping sounds.

Q: What symptoms does an eardrum spasm cause?

Common symptoms include rhythmic or intermittent clicking, buzzing, popping, or a thumping noise in the affected ear, which may be loud enough to disrupt sleep or concentration.

Q: How is an eardrum spasm diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a clinical evaluation by a physician or ENT, audiologic testing, and exclusion of other causes like earwax, eardrum perforation, or TMJ dysfunction; there is no single definitive test.

Q: What treatments are available for eardrum spasms?

Treatment options include conservative measures such as muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, maneuvers like zygomatic pressure, Botox injections in some cases, and, rarely, surgical tendon division if other therapies fail.

Q: When should I see a doctor about ear noises?

See a doctor if ear noises are persistent, loud, worsening, or accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, pain, or changes in balance or quality of life—referral to an ENT is often recommended.

Published by

Lyly

on

May 28, 2026

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Table of Contents

Eardrum spasms can arise from various sources. Depending on the underlying factor, certain medications may provide relief. Consultation with an otolaryngologist (ENT) is advised to determine the appropriate therapy.

Though uncommon, the muscles that regulate eardrum tension can undergo involuntary contractions or spasms, similar to a twitch you might notice in other muscles of your body, such as in the eyelid or calf.

This detailed anatomical illustration depicts the complex structure of the human ear, labeled with its various components. The image is a cross-sectional view, showcasing the ear's three main sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear is represented by the auricle (pinna), constructed with cartilage, and the external auditory canal leading inward. Moving into the middle ear, we see the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the three tiny bones known as ossicles – the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes) – which are crucial for sound transmission. Muscles associated with these structures, like the temporal muscle and the stirrup muscle, are also labeled. The inner ear is prominently featured with the snail-shaped cochlea, responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals, and the semicircular canals, vital for balance. Several nerves are highlighted, including the facial nerve, the nerve of the vestibule, and the nerve of the cochlea. Additional structures shown include the endolymphatic duct, the round snail window, the Eustachian tube connecting to the throat, and muscles involved in eardrum function and palate movement. The illustration uses a color palette of pinks, oranges, and yellows to differentiate the various parts, providing a comprehensive visual guide to ear anatomy. — (*img by Dr. Mustafa Kapadia*)

Eardrum spasm

The tensor tympani and stapedius muscles in the middle ear serve a protective role. They lessen the impact of external noises and diminish internal bodily sounds like our own voice and the noises of chewing. When these muscles spasm, the condition is known as middle ear myoclonus (MEM), sometimes referred to as MEM tinnitus.

MEM is an uncommon disorder—affecting roughly 6 out of 10,000 individuals—in which tinnitus (perception of ringing or buzzing) arises from repetitive, synchronized contractions of the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles.

The tensor tympani muscle connects to the malleus bone—a hammer-shaped bone that conveys vibrations from the eardrum. When it spasms, a thumping or clicking noise may occur.
The stapedius muscle attaches to the stapes bone, which transmits sound to the cochlea—a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear. Spasms of this muscle can produce a buzzing or crackling sound.

This image is a detailed, labeled diagram illustrating the process of hearing within the human ear. It’s a cross-sectional view, showcasing the ear’s anatomy from the outer ear to the auditory nerves. The diagram begins with ‘1’, indicating sound waves entering the ear, visually represented by concentric blue lines. These waves travel through the ear canal (‘2’) and cause the eardrum to vibrate. ‘3’ points to the vibrating eardrum, connected to the tympanic cavity. Inside the cavity, ‘4’ highlights three tiny bones – the malleus, incus, and stapes – which amplify the vibrations. These bones are crucial for transmitting and intensifying the sound. The amplified vibrations then reach the cochlea (‘5’), a spiral-shaped structure filled with fluid. Within the cochlea, tiny hair cells convert these vibrations into nerve impulses. Finally, ‘6’ shows auditory nerves transmitting these nerve impulses as a signal to the brainstem, allowing us to perceive sound. The diagram uses a color palette of blues, purples, and grays to differentiate the various parts of the ear. The illustration also includes descriptive text alongside each numbered point, explaining the function of each component in the hearing process. The overall presentation is clear and informative, designed to educate about the mechanics of human hearing. — (*img by Nature*)

As noted in a 2012 review of case reports and series, there is no definitive diagnostic test or universally effective treatment for MEM. Surgical division of the stapedius and tensor tympani tendons (tenotomy) has been employed with mixed outcomes when conservative measures fail. A 2014 clinical study proposes an endoscopic approach to this surgery as a potential option. Typical first-line therapies include:

muscle relaxants
anticonvulsant medications
zygomatic pressure techniques

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have also been utilized in some cases.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but a symptom signaling a problem somewhere within the auditory system—the ear, the auditory nerve, or the brain.

Although commonly described as ringing, tinnitus can present as a variety of sounds, including:

buzzing
clicking
roaring
hissing

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that nearly 25 million Americans have experienced at least five minutes of tinnitus within the last year.

The most frequent cause of tinnitus is prolonged exposure to loud noise, though a single extremely loud event can also trigger it. Those exposed to high noise levels at work (for example, carpenters, pilots, and landscapers) and people using loud tools or equipment (such as jackhammers, chainsaws, and firearms) are at increased risk. Up to 90 percent of individuals with tinnitus show some degree of noise-related hearing loss.

The image presents a close-up, circular view, likely captured through an otoscope, focusing on the interior of an ear canal. The dominant feature is a substantial mass of cerumen, commonly known as earwax, filling a significant portion of the frame. The earwax isn't the smooth, golden color often associated with healthy wax; instead, it appears textured, almost flaky, and exhibits a range of hues from pale yellow to a darker, brownish-grey. The surface of the wax is uneven, with numerous small bumps and ridges, suggesting a build-up over time or a potentially impacted state. There's a slight sheen or glossiness to parts of the wax, possibly due to moisture or oil content. Surrounding the main wax mass, the skin of the ear canal is visible, appearing pinkish and slightly inflamed in areas. Small black dots are scattered around the periphery, potentially indicating debris or minor irritation. The overall lighting is warm-toned, casting shadows that accentuate the texture of the wax and the contours of the ear canal. The image lacks clear anatomical landmarks beyond the ear canal skin and the wax itself, suggesting a focused view on the wax accumulation. The image suggests a need for ear cleaning or medical evaluation to address the wax build-up. — (*img by Britannica*)

Other conditions that can produce ringing or other ear sounds include:

eardrum perforation
earwax impaction
labyrinthitis
Meniere’s disease
concussion
thyroid disorders
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
acoustic neuroma
otosclerosis
brain tumor

Tinnitus is a known potential adverse effect of about 200 over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including aspirin and certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory medications.

The takeaway

Unwanted noises in the ears can be distracting and bothersome. They may stem from a variety of causes, including, albeit rarely, an eardrum spasm. If these sounds are loud or persistent, they can significantly affect quality of life. If you experience frequent ringing or other noises in your ears that do not correspond to environmental sounds, consult your physician, who may refer you to an otolaryngologist or an otologic surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eardrum spasm?

What symptoms does an eardrum spasm cause?

How is an eardrum spasm diagnosed?

What treatments are available for eardrum spasms?

When should I see a doctor about ear noises?

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns.