well, I've had this thumping going on in my right ear for over 3 weeks I've been to the E NT doctor 3 times I've also had to EKG and am now going to do a stress test and an echocardiogram. ENT doctor said it was tinnitus. but the noise seems louder after I've been working hard so I'm wanting to rule everything out. it's not my heartbeat in my ear its more rapid, the only relieve are quality ear plugs, not sure if they will cause damage after extensive use. not sure what started it but right now the earplug's do work.