What Causes A Thumping Sound In The Ear In A Teenager?

Posted on Thu, 5 May 2016

Question: A few inches inside left ear opening experience brief periodic sort of "thumping" . Maybe a few times an hour some days. No discomfort, dizziness or other symptoms. It's my son 13 years old symptoms

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Noises in the ear:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Noises heard inside the ear can be confusing to the person who is hearing them. Here are some thoughts on what might be going on:

The most likely cause of a thumping sound in the ear is hearing sound from nearby blood vessels. This is called pulsatile tinnitus. To check if this is the case, have your son check his pulse at the wrist to see if it is associated.

If there is clear (serous) fluid in the middle ear sometimes people here a sort of dripping or opening/shutting sound.

The jaw joint can make a clicking/thudding sound.

But most likely thumping in a 13 yr old boy is pulsatile tinnitus. It is usually innocuous, but if it continues, he should see his doctor or an ENT specialist.

I hope this information helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 hours later)

not so much a "sound" - more of a sensation.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ear thumping

Detailed Answer:
It may still be from causes I mentioned previously. It may also be related to muscle tightening felt in the ear.

We have some ENT specialists on this site. Perhaps they can offer further information about this sensation. They aren't always on this site at all times but you will likely get a response within a day. I am an FP but responded when I saw no one else picked up your question after several hours.

I'd suggest closing this discussion with me and then repost your question (with the added information that it is a sensation rather than a sound); however, in the first line of your question write "For ENT only, please".

Good luck in getting this solved. You may need to take him in to have his ear looked at to make sure everything looks ok.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (25 minutes later)

Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Best regards,

Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar