Why Is There A Chronic And Erratic Thumping In My Right Ear?

Posted on Fri, 9 Sep 2022

Question: There is a thumping in my right ear. It is chronic and erratic. Sometimes it will stop after a few minutes of thumping. I have tried trying to stop it by both sucking and blowing with my nose and mouth closed like in adjusting to a plane's altitude change. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. Tried this morning to pressurize my ear by putting my index finger in and it stops the thumping but it quickly resumes.
Have used over the counter nasal sprays to see if congestion in ear tube is the problem. Does not help.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
tinnitus, a lot of different causes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thumping or other abnormal noises in the ear is called tinnitus and there are a number of different possible causes.

Some of the causes of tinnitus include:

(1) Occurs with age related hearing loss

(2) Impacted or excess wax in the ear

(3) Infection

(4) Exposure to loud noises

(5) Eustachian tube dysfunction-this is a tube in the middle ear that connects part of the ear to the back of the throat

(6) Otosclerosis-stiffening of middle ear bones

(7) Can be associated with thyroid disease or diabetes

(8) Blood pressure changes

Because there are many different causes, it would be best for you to consider seeing an ENT specialist for assessment and management.

He or she would be able to take a look into the ear and would also likely conduct additional tests to find the exact cause.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.

Regards

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