Inner Ear Vibration

Inner ear vibration can be a strange sensation that is described as buzzing, ringing, twitching, crackling, and vibrating.  It is often very uncomfortable and historically difficult to pinpoint in a clinical setting. What causes this, and what can I do about it? This article will address these questions and help you understand your options. 

Reasons for Noises in the Ear

The causes of having vibrations in one’s ear are numerous: noise, infection, and medical conditions. Potential symptoms when such ‘injury’ to the human auditory system may include hearing loss, which diminishes the ability to hear, or the sounds could be considered ‘not usual.’ It may further give rise to tinnitus- a condition in which one perceives sounds that are not there.

1: TMJ and Yawning

These may include a strange noise in your ears that feels like it is bubbling or crackling while you yawn. This feeling commonly results from the accumulation of earwax in the eustachian tube. Sometimes, when the earwax blocks the eustachian tube, it gives a sensation of crackling or even vibrations.

You can also make similar sounds while moving your head or chewing, which may also be related to blockage by earwax in the Eustachian tube. This plug may shift during these changes in head movements or chewing, causing crackling or popping sounds.

More subtle jaw movements, such as widening or clenching, can also change the pressure within the eustachian tube, adding to those humming sensations. Such variation in pressure may make the crackling and popping louder.

Fortunately, these sensations are usually temporary and of no consequence, with the sensation commonly disappearing quite quickly.

2: Infections

Other than noise, there are also some medical conditions that can cause the individual to feel the vibration in the ear. Infection of the middle ear-otitis media and infection of the outer ear-otitis externa may also cause discomfort and vibratory sensations in the ear. Other diseases, such as Meniere’s or some neurological disorders, may mimic these symptoms.

3: TMJ Clicking

Pain in the jaw joint near the ear is more commonly referred to as temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). It involves discomfort or soreness in the area where the lower jawbone, also known as the mandible, meets the skull’s temporal bone.

This joint accommodates the movement of the jaws to enable talking, chewing, and yawning. If the pain in this region is sharp or continuous, it would be advisable to consult a physician.

4: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian tube dysfunction involves the failure of the canal connecting the middle ear and the nasopharynx. An inadequately opened and closed eustachian tube may lead to symptoms like discharge, hearing reduction, or noisy vibrations in the ear. Of course, the pressure differential and accumulation of earwax significantly affect the functioning of this phenomenal organ.

5: Tinnitus

Tinnitus represents a sensation of sound without an external source; tinnitus often sounds like ringing, buzzing, roaring, or whistling in one’s ears. It may be generated by any number of causes, including noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, earwax blockage, ear or sinus infections, thyroid disorders, otosclerosis, certain drugs, and aspirin.

The condition is called tinnitus vibrations, when the classic tinnitus sounds are associated with other sensations, such as vibrations or pulsating. These vibrations may be synchronous with the heartbeat, known as pulse-synchronous tinnitus. Causes and mechanisms that drive pulse-synchronous tinnitus are variable. Still, most instances share an underlying vascular anomaly or malformation near the auditory system. Pulse-synchronous tinnitus is somewhat unique compared to other forms of tinnitus.

6: Allergic Rhinitis

One such condition may be allergic rhinitis, which can cause problems like a runny nose. Allergic rhinitis is an allergic condition of the nose, probably caused by the inflammation of the nasal membrane by dust, pollen, and other allergens. Although this condition does not relate directly to tinnitus, allergic reactions may increase mucus production. This mucus can reach the ears to create earwax.

7: Ear Drum Inflammation

Myringitis, involving inflammation of the part of the eardrum situated between the ear canal and the middle ear, may be associated with ringing or buzzing. A wax plug in the ear may also lead to vibrations or crackling noises requiring removal.

Most importantly, it arises from various causes and may be tied to a medical work-up to find a condition that precipitates this symptom. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is one possible common symptom related to concussion.

8: Concussion/TBI

A concussion is deemed a form of mild traumatic brain injury brought about by external trauma to the head with ensuing neurological impairment. Individuals who have experienced a concussion may have ringing or buzzing in the ears, among other forms of auditory disturbances.

This may occur with damage to either the pathways of audition or as a result of an alteration in the brain’s processing of sound. The ringing may resolve independently, but if symptoms persist, it would be appropriate for the individual to seek medical evaluation to rule out further complications or to provide specific management strategies.

9: Loud Noises

When the noise is loud enough, the ears can vibrate to the action of the waves of sound. Such exposure to noisy conditions can significantly impact the ability to hear. There are two main categories of hearing loss for this exposure. First is the temporary threshold shift, or TTS, which is the sudden drop in hearing sensitivity right after exposure to loud noise.

The second type is called permanent threshold shift, which means the damage is not temporary but permanent. While TTS represented a more temporary change, this is more enduring. Noise intensity and exposure time, individual Susceptibility, and protection use may be influenced by Susceptibility.

10: Inflammatory Conditions

Ear inflammatory conditions might emanate from bacteria, viruses, or fungi that attack any part of the ear. Allergic disorders, such as allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, or probably some chemical-radical exposure, possibly cause this kind of inflammatory response.

Other foreign bodies or traumas to the ear can also cause inflammation. Other contributing factors may include increased humidity/moisture, elevation/barometric pressure changes, and exposure to irritants/pollutants. Several medical diseases, including sinusitis and infection of the respiratory tract, may also cause this symptom.

11: Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor affecting the vestibular nerve that may cause a host of symptoms with variable effects on auditory function and equilibrium.

Common complaints amongst people suffering from the condition include tinnitus, described as ringing or buzzing in the ear. This tumor may also give sensations in the form of vibration within the ear or pressure over it due to its implicating action on the vestibular system.

Such feelings appear and disappear depending on the intensity and could be uncomfortable and distressing for those suffering from them. The diagnosis and treatment of acoustic neuroma have to be performed for symptom management and also to prevent complications associated with the disease.

Healthy Ears and Prevention of Vibrations

You must take precautions to protect your ears from probable vibrations and maintain general health. First, go for regular ear checkups and screening processes, especially if you have had any hearing issues in the past. Such checkups can reveal the underlying problems at an early stage and thus permit timely intervention.

Besides, protecting the ears from noisy environments by purchasing quality ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, cuts down on unnecessary exposure to loud sounds that increase the vibrations or give rise to any other problems related to the ear.

Also, good ear hygiene, included in daily routine, can help reduce the risk of infection or inflammation that may cause vibration symptoms. Emphasizing these prevention measures will help you take responsibility for your ear health and reduce the possibility of developing uncomfortable vibrations.

Conclusion

Inner ear vibration can stem from multiple sources and often requires a multi-disciplinary approach to resolve completely. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s not a life sentence, and there are many qualified professionals who can help identify the source and begin the healing process.

If you have questions about hearing after a concussion, click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors. We’ve treated hundreds of complex neurologic cases and can help piece together the missing pieces in your recovery.

*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients should consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.