Thumping/drumming in one ear

I have the exact same thing. It also started towards the end if the pandemic. Definitely not pulsatile tinnitus as it's way to fast...sounds like a propeller plane engine sputtering or a far off jackhammer, and I can feel a physical vibration in my ear. Only a couple things have helped me and they are not permanent solutions unfortunately. Mine goes away for a few days at a time if I go on vacation or go out to a concert and have a few or more drinks, so maybe stress is part of it. I have noticed that if I put a soft silicone earplug in my ear and push it fairly deep in it does significantly mitigate it, and this is interesting because it sounds like it could be a physical thing that the earplug is pressing against that makes it not as bad. Maybe a spasming muscle where pressure helps, same as you would rub other muscle cramps?

How would you check of it's the Superficial Temporal Nerve?

I have the same thing now. I've had tinnitus for many years, including pulsatile at times, and this is completely different. It's a *thump* *thump* *thump* (predominantly in my left ear) and then it stops for a while; then it will happen again occasionally--sometimes continuously. It often feels like I have a plugged ear. Recently, it's had a variation so, instead of a thump, it's more like the sound of a fluorescent lamp ballast that is failing, but at the rate of the above-mentioned *thump* *thump* *thump*; this type has not happened often, but it's happened.

I went to an ENT and he did an exam of both ears. He did find quite a build up of wax, etc., and cleaned it out, but it didn't stop the thumping.

I found this site because I was looking for info on MEM, which it appears I have. For the last few days I have had thumping or fluttering sounds in my left ear. At times it goes away after a short while but can return at random intervals. Today I thought it had gone completely but after eating some rice crackers it returned and was worse because it was now a constant thumping. Otherwise my health is very good. I find it annoying and distracting and am wondering if it is a bodily deterioration because of my age. I am 70.

Welcome @bardofely, I imagine that it can be a little distracting and annoying. Especially not knowing the cause or what you can do to help. While we wait for members who may have some experiences, you may want to take a look at the following discussion to see if it might be helpful.
--- Middle Ear Myoclonus and Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tinnitusneuropathy/

Have you been diagnosed with Middle Ear Myoclonus?

Thanks for your reply! I have self-diagnosed my condition based on what I have found in Google searches. It is mainly annoying but I suppose I could get used to it over time if it doesn't go away. It is also frustrating because there doesn't seem to be anything I can do to stop it, or to know if it will return after it stops for a while.

Sorry for the late response. I went and saw an acupuncturist. Told him I'm having inner ear problems. He stuck the needles near one of my ears (which is interesting cause I had it in both ears) and its been 95% better since then. I'm truly hoping it stays that way.

I have vertigo and have had it for over 40 years. Sometimes my ears will do the same thing. Sometimes it is a fluttering sensation and sometimes it is the fullness feeling. I do know the fluttering is because there is fluid in the ear. The ears and sinuses is all connected. Instead of a straight line system to drain the fluid from the ear, it is dipped in the middle, sorta like a very relaxed V, and fluid pools in that little dip. Most people have tubes placed in their ears to correct the problem. I always put a drop of alcohol in the ear because it dries up the fluid. Right now I'm battling tinnitus and find peroxide in each ear for about 1 minute will give relief for a while.

That's fantastic! I'm going to give it a try.

Please do! I hope it works for you!