I've had this thumping in my right ear for two months and it's more profound when I'm trying to fall asleep. I was checked by my doctor but no results until the day 3 months later, I felt a heartburn coming on and my shoulder started to feel heavy. Yes, I was having a mild heart attack and immediately sought assistance where I spent two days in the hospital undergoing tests and was told a triple bypass was required. Long story short, it became a quadruple bypass that went successfully and the thumping went away. This was 7 months ago. Hopefully this was not the case for you members asking this question but, it's important to not rule out blood vessel blockage either. Have or insist on an EKG test as well. Most importantly, ditch the cigarettes.