The phenomenon is caused by the tensor tympani, a tiny muscle inside the ear responsible for dampening loud noises, like thunder or chewing.

The tensor tympani muscle attaches to the malleus bone — a hammer shaped bone that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum. When it spasms, it makes a thumping or clicking sound.

It appears that the tensor tympani muscle may remain functional even in advanced stages of MND, so the Earswitch may offer a completely new opportunity to give people with MND greater control over ...

To operate the Earswitch, users tense their tensor tympani, one of the smallest muscles in the body. That triggers an on-screen keyboard to scan through letters and select one with an 'ear-click.' ...

Massimo wrote in February 2020: "A part of the human population can voluntarily control the tensor tympani, a muscle within the ear. "Contracting this muscle produces vibration and sound.

Being able to make a rumbling sound is caused by the tensor tympani, a tiny muscle inside the ear responsible for dampening loud noises, like thunder or chewing. View this post on Instagram.