I am experiencing intermitent tapping inside my ears. It feels like something is lightly tapping on my eardrums in a sporadic rhythm. It seems to swith from ear to ear, although primarily occurs in my right ear. This is not painful, rather very annoying. This seems to be occuring more frequently, and will last from a few minutes to over a hour, usually daily. I have always had occurances of vertigo, and may be more aware of them because of this problem, but they occur as well. I can't think of a time when both occurred simultaneously. Thanks for any and all help.
Reply: -----------------------
This symptom of rhythmic tapping felt and/or heard in the ears may be a manifestation of a condition known as palatal myoclonus which is a muscular disorder that affects the muscle of the palate that is involved with opening and closing of the eustachian tube. I would recommend an evaluation by an otolaryngologist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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