steadystate
Fractal Fanatic
I've been looking for a name and documentation for my problem for years. I've just researched the term, and THIS is it. For decades, I've experienced a "spasm" in my ear, like something tugging on my eardrum when exposed to certain sounds, even at very low volume. I've described it to several ENTs, only to have them shrug their shoulders. It is associated with pain when hearing sounds that are no where near loud enough to cause pain for most people. A soda can pop top is excruciating. A low-volume sine wave can cause a constant spasm with pain. Sometimes.Most likely Tensor tympani syndrome
I considered the problem neurological, because sound present in only one ear can cause a spasm in the opposite ear. For instance, if I am on the phone at low volume, or using headphones and sound is coming into only one ear, the opposite ear can "spasm". The spasms are highly correlated with the audio signal. Sometimes, the ear receiving the signal will spasm as well.
Thank you so much for this information. Perhaps there is some treatment to help reduce the discomfort, or perhaps not. But it is a relief of sorts to even know it is recognized and has a name.